FRIENDS OF BLACK BAYOU LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
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 318-387-1114
The Visitor Center and Conservation Learning Center are open whenever volunteers are available, but at least Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm and Sunday afternoons. Be safe and visit nature!​​
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!   FoBB sponsors an annual 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 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.  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.

2022 Photo Contest Winners>>  
Fall Festival 2022 Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlfe Refuge

Learn about Swamp Rabbits, April 1st
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Friends of Black Bayou, Inc.
Mailing Address: Post Office 9241
Monroe LA  71211-9241
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Friends of Black Bayou, Inc., Statement on Inclusion and Diversity 

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
  • Friends of Black Bayou Group (FoBB) on Facebook ​
  • National Fish & Wildlife Service's BBLNWR Page on Facebook ​
Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Officers 2022-2023
President: Joydeep Bhattacharjee 
Past-President: Vernon Wells
Treasurer: Anna Hill
Membership Secretary: Mark Elliott
Education Director: Clair Calhoun Roane
Nature Shop Director: Ann Smith

Membership/Outreach Secretary: Ann Smith (temporary)
At-Large Board Members: Leslie Calhoun (LWF Rep.), Kody Chase, Anirudh Girey, Tyler Fricker, Jon Guice, Ron Hiltz, Suzanne Laird-Dartez,
Charles Paxton, Rod Werner, Niles Majeste (TriBeta rep., ULM —National Biology Honor Society)
Consulting Directors (non-voting): Kris Kelley, Kelby Ouchley, Amy Ouchley, Gay Brantley, Becky Ham, Mike Rhymes 
Erin Cox - USFWS Liasion
Contact the Visitor Center at 318-387-1114 for more information.
Physical Location of the Visitor Center is located at 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
Website maintained and updated by FoBB volunteers. Please let us know if you see something that needs changing.
© All content is copyrighted Friends of Black Bayou 2022 and licensors. For permission to use, please contact us.>>>  FoBB.
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, please send us an email and let us know.  We do plan to change photos often.  Thank you for continuing to share your talents and the refuge with the rest of the world. 
  • Home
  • About
    • FoBB Nature Store
    • Trails
    • Volunteer
    • Adopt a Tree
    • Planter's House
  • Location
  • Canoe Rentals
  • Join
  • Photo Contest
  • Events
    • Fall Celebration
  • Support the Refuge
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy