318-387-1114

Friends of Black Bayou Lake NWR

Conservation Learning Center Building at Black Bayou Lake NWR Monroe Louisiana. Photo by Nancy Blackwell
Friends of Black Bayou is an award-winning, non-profit community organization that supports the protection and enhancement of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge located in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. FoBB came into existence in August 1997 with a core group of dedicated supporters who cared about the new Refuge and dreamed big. In a very short time, members began to see their dreams taking shape.

The century-old planter’s home was renovated and is now the Visitors’ Center. In 2004, FoBB was named the top Refuge Friends Group in the country. And this was just the beginning!

Every year FoBB sponsors a Fall Celebration with free activities for kids, food, exhibitors, and lots of fun activities. 

Educational opportunities are a top priority for FoBB. Curriculum materials were developed, and learning about wildlife became fun and convenient from
  • the pier,
  • observation deck,
  • nature trails,
  • arboretum, 
  • interactive displays inside the Visitors’ Center.
​Conservation Learning Center opened in October 2005, provides spectacular live native wildlife exhibits and a well-equipped classroom. 

Art is a part of nature, too. Photographers and other artists are able to observe wildlife from the comfort of the photo blind, the wildlife pier, and the observation deck. Kids of all ages enjoy experiencing nature from a paved walkway or a raised boardwalk. And grownups appreciate the fact that the Refuge is free, fun, not far from Monroe, and best of all--educational!

Throughout the year, events are scheduled at the Refuge, and the public is invited to visit any time--whether there is a special event or not. Nature is always here.

As a reminder .... this is a wildlife refuge, so remember your outdoor safety skills. Do NOT feed any animal on the refuge.
You can also call the Visitor Center at (318) 387-1114 for information about any program at the refuge. The volunteer answering the phone will be able to answer your questions, or can refer you to the person who can answer them.

Facebook links:

Friends of Black Bayou Group on Facebook:
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/55588469461/
National Fish & Wildlife Services's Facebook Page for BBLNWR
​(Nova Clarke keeps this FB up-to-date)
https://www.facebook.com/BlackBayouLakeNWR/  
​Want to receive the Friends of Black Bayou Lake NWR newsletter? Join our email list by either sending an email to friendsofblackbayou@gmail.com *OR* you can simply enter your email below: 

    Enter your email to subscribe
    to the FoBB Newsletter and Events

Other Information/Weblinks:

Louisiana Master Naturalist Northeast Chapter

2017-2018 Black Bayou Public Use Regulations (Hunting Guide)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
Black Bayou Lake NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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Help Bring Back the Alligator Exhibit in the Conservation Learning Center 

Wildlife

About wldlife at the refuge
directly from the US Fish & Wildlife Service website.  NOTE: You are LEAVING the Friends of Black Bayou NWR website  when you click this link.) 

Events at the Refuge

Nature is always happening at the refuge, but special events also provide education, conservation enlightenment, fun, and entertainment. Visit. Learn.  Enjoy.
All photos are copyrighted and used here with permission.  This Page Header photo won 1st place Scenic in 2010, and was taken by photographer Berg Ransom and  used here with permission.