Upcoming Events
Upcoming Event
Wild Things Youth Art Contest
Calling young artists ages 5-18! Artists ages 5 thru 18 are invited to portray the plants, animals, and landscapes of Louisiana for the annual Wild Things Youth Art Contest. This competition spotlights the richness of Southeast Louisiana’s native wildlife and habitats through drawing and painting mediums, and encourages creativity and learning more about our natural heritage. More details here.
Wild Things Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Join the fun of celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week with family friendly activities, exhibits, the Wildlife Youth Art Show, food, music, and more! Free admission. At Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuges Headquarters in Lacombe. More details here.
Nature Explorers, 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program for young children 0 - 6 years old. Learn about native animals, create nature themed crafts, go on a short nature walk and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program. Program meets at the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center and is 45 minutes in duration. Program topics vary and meet rain, mud or shine.
Homeschool Day, 4th Friday of every month at 10 a.m.
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program. Programs are geared for homeschoolers ages 12 and under (K - 8th grade) but all are welcome. Homeschool Day programs are set up to help families explore native flora, fauna, and habitats of Southeast Louisiana via hands-on activities. All students must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program. You do not have to be homeschooled to participate in the program. All programs are conducted rain or shine. Program length is 90 minutes. For more information email rebecca_larkins@fws.gov.
Service Saturdays, 1st Saturday of each month
These community work parties can include clearing trails, picking up downed limbs and general cleanup at a refuge in the the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex. If you are looking for volunteer hours for a school or organization you belong to, or just want to help make a difference, this may be for you. All tools are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and outdoor clothing. Beverages and light snacks are provided. Volunteers under 18 yrs. of age require a signed by parent or guardian volunteer form to participate. Under age 16 volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. To join a work party RSVP to lwrfriends@gmail.com.
Bayou Gardens Open House, DATE TBD 2024
Celebrate the historic blooming gardens of our Southeast Louisiana Refuges Headquarters site in Lacombe and join us for free tours, gardening with native plants, and for pollinator workshops, arts and crafts, and nature activities.
Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo, LOUISIANA FREE FISHING WEEKEND 2024
Did you ever think you could win a fishing derby without paying an entry fee or weighing or measuring a fish? Here's your chance! The Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges and the Friends of Louisiana Refuges Inc. are hosting a Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo during Louisiana free fishing weekend June 2024.
All youth 15 years of age and younger are eligible to participate for free!