September - February

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. Then 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.

Upcoming Work/Play Days 2018: Saturdays —  Sept. 22, October 6

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

Spring and Fall

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 2018 tours opens in September.

Spring and Fall 2018: Saturdays - October, 20, November 3, December 1

Click here for registration information.

February 17, 2018

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. The open house is a collaborative effort with our Friends group and local camellia societies. 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. 

Saturday, May 12, 2018

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 8, 2019

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.  

Saturday, September 15, 2018

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) 882-2015 or email Becky Larkins at this link.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

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 15, 2018

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 22- 26, 2019

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.