Friday July 5 & 19, August 2,16 & 30 at 9:30 a.m. 

Join refuge staff for this FREE, 45-minute long fun-filled educational program for young children 0 – 6 years old. Learn about native animals, make nature themed crafts, go on a short nature walk, and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the program. Meets at the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center.

Download a program flyer at this link.

Fall 2019 Work/Play Days: September 21 and October 5

Get your boots on the ground at one of our volunteer service days. The “Work” portion might include clearing trails and general garden maintenance, ending at noon. A light lunch is provided by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc. With events held at our Lacombe Headquarters the “Play” starts after lunch with a canoe outing on Bayou Lacombe. 

A perfect way to get outdoors, meet new people, and make a difference for stewardship! All equipment is provided and new volunteers are always welcome. 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. includes optional canoe tour, when offered.

For reservations and more details call (985) 882-2015 or email Joanne_dolan@fws.gov

Fall 2019 Tours will be on Saturdays - Dates TBA

Our free naturalist led canoe tours offer a chance to explore the natural and cultural history of Bayou Lacombe launching from our Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex Headquarters in Lacombe. Canoe Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All paddling equipment is provided. Preregistration is required. Registration for fall 2019 tours opens in September 2019.

Click here for registration information.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Help keep your water and wetlands clean! Each year, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges partners with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and the Ocean Conservancy to clean up waterways and beaches around the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Volunteers are needed on the northshore to clean up Bayou Lacombe and the lakefront along Big Branch Marsh. For more information call (985) 882-2025 or email Becky Larkins at this link. 

Saturday, October 12, 2019

A FREE family-friendly event celebrating National Wildlife Refuges Week. Activities include: a Wildlife Youth Art Exhibition, canoe and pontoon boat tours, wildflower walks, guest exhibitors, live animals, hayrides, archery, a casting pond, a kids activity tent, bird house building, food, live music, and more. Admission, parking, tours and music are all FREE. Food will be available for purchase benefiting the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges. Held at the SE Louisiana Refuge Headquarters in Lacombe. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

December 14, 2019

Each year Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special visit to the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center in Lacombe. Kids of all ages are invited for story time, crafts, cookies, and hot cocoa. To mark this special occasion, photos with Santa are provided at no cost.

More about Cajun Christmas at this link.

April 13- 17, 2020

Connect your child to nature at Junior Refuge Ranger Spring Break Camp. We'll introduce your youngster to nature and stewardship through exploration and discovery. Canoeing, hiking, birding, nature play, wildlife observation, arts and crafts, and more are part of this adventurous day camp. For ages 8 - 10. Registration opens February 2018.

For more information click here.

February 2020, Date TBA

From 1935 through 1956 the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex headquarters property was a horticultural attraction called Bayou Gardens. In its prime, the garden bloomed with over 400 varieties of camellias and azaleas. Free garden tours and presentations are provided by rangers and local camellia experts, and free refreshments are provided by Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc. 

2020 Date Spring TBA

Held at the Sherburne Wildlife Area Headquarter near Krotz Springs, the family-friendly Step Outside Day introduces young people to outdoor recreation activities. Pontoon boat tours, canoe paddling, archery, hands-on nature activities, bird house building and more! Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge cosponsors Step Outside Day with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All activities are free.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Calling all kids from ages four to twelve! Get your fish on at the "Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo." The rodeo is sponsored by the Southeast Louisiana Wildlife Refuges in collaboration with Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc., and is supported by many community partners. Held at the Pear River Turnaround Fishing Access Site at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing is from 7:30 - 11 a.m.

Registration information at this link.