Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges will remain open to the public. For now, refuge visitor centers and other public facilities may be closed and most scheduled events have been postponed.

For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.

If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising good hygiene. For more information: FWS Coronavirus Response page.

Features

  • Photo of a male and female northern shoveler feeding on glassy water

    Waterfowl

    Coastal Louisiana is the winter home of between 3-5 million ducks, over half the waterfowl that travel the Mississippi and Central Flyways.

  • Aerial view of a delta splay

    Marsh formation at Delta

    The splay of channels at Delta NWR originated in the 1860’s when a breach, or crevasse, was made in the Mississippi River levee. 

  • female blue crab

    Marshes grow our seafood

    Coastal wetlands are breeding, spawning, feeding, and nursery grounds for over 75% of Louisiana’s harvested fish and shellfish species.

    More about the values of wetlands at Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

  • Roseate Spoonbill photo by Danny Bales

    Roseate spoonbill

    Spoonbills feed by wading in shallow water, sweeping their heads from side to side.

  • photo of large alligator with mouth open

    Our largest reptile

    North America's largest reptile is found in slow moving rivers, marshes, and bayous in the south.

    Listen to an alligator bellow here..

Things to Know

Alert: Covid-19 Information

In keeping with guidance from the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and acting out of an abundance of caution, the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex is temporarily suspending operations of the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center. Refuge staff is committed to doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors. Therefore, planned Refuge events and programs may not take place as scheduled. Refuge lands, including nature trails and outdoor recreational facilities, remain open and accessible to the public to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

More Information at this link

Take a Virtual Tour of Delta NWR

view of canal through marsh at Delta

Explore the waterways and marshes of Delta National Wildlife Refuge on a virtual boat tour.

Take a Virtual Tour with our boat pilot

Steps Taken to Prevent Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer

New regulations that take effect during this falls' hunt season in Louisiana prohibit the use of natural deer urine that has not been tested and labeled as "CWD Not Detected." More information available at link below.

LDWF Regulations on Deer Urine effective Sept. 1, 2019

Attention Young Artists

Two Ross Geese swimming side by side

Could your work be on the next Junior Duck Stamp? Support conservation, education, and the arts with a Junior Duck Stamp!

More About the Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Waterfowl Traveling the Mississippi

Ancient Travel Routes

Three ducks in flight

The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows 2,350 miles to the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, Louisiana. The area drained by the Mississippi watershed covers about 40% of the lower 48 states, and about 40% of the nation's migratory waterfowl use the river basin as a migratory flyway.

More about migratory birds

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana Refuges

Delta National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana Refuges.

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