Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you Recreate Responsibly.

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information.
  • Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

Child holding an Eastern lubber grasshopper

Junior Ranger Activities

Check out some fun nature activities you can do while social distancing!

Junior Ranger Activities 2020

News

Public Comment Invited on a Proposed Acquisition Boundary Change for Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Public input is invited on a proposal to change the acquisition boundary for Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. The Service is proposing this change to respond to a need for greater access to the refuge and the benefits of nature for the greater New Orleans area. If approved, these proposed changes would add land closer to public access routes adjacent to the existing refuge boundary. To ensure consideration of your comments in the development of a final decision on this action, please submit your comments prior to June 23, 2021.

Review the proposal here

Get Your Fish On Louisiana!

boy fishing from dock

At the Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo during Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend, June 12-13, 2021! For youth 15 and under. Win Prizes! Free entry! No weighing or measuring. Just send photos.

Find Out How to Enter the Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Proposed 2021-22 Hunt Opportunities

Woman and girl in tall vegetation watching sunrise in marsh

The Service proposes hunt program changes for 2021-22. For more information and instructions on submitting comments...

Find out more about the proposed hunt plan here

Nature is Closer Than You Think

Aerial photo of boardwalk trail

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city of New Orleans, offers urban dwellers an opportunity to connect with nature and experience wildlife and the habitats that support them close to home. The Urban Wildlife Refuge Program at Bayou Sauvage reaches beyond refuge boundaries and into communities to connect with Americans who have fewer opportunities to experience and enjoy these public lands and the wildlife that lives there.

Take a virtual visit to Bayou Sauvage
Birds of the Refuge

A Bed and Breakfast for the Birds

Brown Pelican standing near water

Bayou Sauvage's marshes and waterways provide food and shelter for over 340 species of birds. From pelicans to phalaropes, buntings to buffleheads, there are always birds to see and hear on the Refuge.

Learn more about where to see birds on the Refuge

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online