FRIENDS OF BLACK BAYOU LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
  • Home
  • About
    • Canoe Rentals
    • FoBB Nature Store
    • Trails
    • Board and Officers
    • Adopt a Tree
    • Planter's House & FoBB History
  • Volunteer
  • News & Upcoming Events
    • Fall Celebration
  • Join
  • Location
  • Photo Contest
  • Support the Refuge
 318-387-1114
Visitor Center Monroe Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge
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 Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. FoBB came into existence in August 1997 with a core group of dedicated supporters and volunteers who cared about the new Refuge and dreamed big. In a very short time, members saw dreams taking shape.  The century-old planter’s home was renovated and is now the Visitors’ Center.  More History>>

FoBB sponsors an annual Fall Celebration with a Photo Contest, and free games and activities for kids, food, exhibitors, and lots of wildlife themed fun!  

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 trails that include 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 the Refuge is open, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Whether there is a special event or not, nature is always here.

You can also call the Visitor Center at (318) 387-1114 or email friendsofblackbayou@gmail.com for more 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.

Remember that feeding, harassing, removing, or otherwise interfering with alligators or other wildlife on the Refuge is against federal law!

Did you see someone feeding or harrassing the alligators?  Just snap a photo and text it with the details to our refuge officers at 318-355-6842 or 318-351-4965.  You can also call the Louisiana Dept of Wildlife & Fisheries 24 line at 1-800-442-2511 and give details. (Suggestion: add that number to your phone contacts list now).

Nobody wants their child, grandchild, or dog attacked by a wild animal because that wild animal associated PEOPLE with FOOD.  Stop it, y'all!

NO FEEDING OR HARRASSING alligators or any other animals on the refuge!! Federal laws prohibit it.  ​

NEWS and Events:
​​
​Join us for the Fall Celebration
​Oct 21, 2023 9am to 2pm

Picture
Picture

2023 Photo Contest Winners>>

Picture
Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is just one of the wonders we might encounter here in August!

Frog Talk and Walk on June 3, 2023 at 7pm at Black Bayou Lake NWR Monroe, Louisiana
The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a North American giant silk moth present in the refuge.

BB NWR Hosts First Ever NABA
Butterfly Count in N.E.Louisiana!
  
​Led by Lepidopterist Craig Marks

20 species, 103 individuals. Read 
more!


Other Information Weblinks:

  • Louisiana Master Naturalist Northeast Chapter
  • 2022-2023 Black Bayou Public Use Regulations (Hunting Guide)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
  • Black Bayou Lake NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
  • Friends of Black Bayou Group (FoBB) on Facebook ​
  • US Fish & Wildlife Service Facebook Page​

What's Being Seen at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
​

iNaturalist Observations at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=119218

​Contribute your observations to citizen science!

Do you see the bunny rabbit?!
Friends of Black Bayou, Inc., Statement on Inclusion and Diversity 
Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Board and Officers 2023>>

Contact the Visitor Center at 318-387-1114 for more information.
Physical Location of the Visitor Center is 480 Richland Place, Monroe, Louisiana (no mail )
Mailing Address: Friends of Black Bayou Lake NWR, Post Office Box 9241, Monroe LA 71211-9241
FoBB LOGO created by George Mouk
Terms & Conditions      Privacy    ​
Website maintained and updated by FoBB volunteers. 
See something that needs changing>>?.
Note to Photographers:  All photos used on the FoBB web site are with permission.  We may have cropped or optimized some of the photos to fit the pages and load quicker. If we have used YOUR photo and you would prefer that we remove it, send us an email to friendsofblackbayou.org and let us know.  Thank you for sharing your talents and the refuge with the rest of the world. 
  • Home
  • About
    • Canoe Rentals
    • FoBB Nature Store
    • Trails
    • Board and Officers
    • Adopt a Tree
    • Planter's House & FoBB History
  • Volunteer
  • News & Upcoming Events
    • Fall Celebration
  • Join
  • Location
  • Photo Contest
  • Support the Refuge