Friends of Black Bayou Blog - FRIENDS OF BLACK BAYOU LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

277 Butterflies in Black Bayou Lake NWR 2024 Butterfly Count

9/11/2024

by C. Paxton

Sunday, September 8th, at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, The Louisiana Master Naturalists Northeast Group and eminent Lepidopterist and author, Craig Marks gathered at Black Bayou Lake NWR for our second butterfly count at BBL. Craig has just completed a butterfly count at The Poverty Point World Heritage Site.

The full report will come in due course, but there were 12 participants including LMN-NE and Friends of Black Bayou members, in her LMN-NE Facebook post Dr. Bette Kauffman announced some great news: "we identified 27 species and counted 277 butterflies! That's pretty good. This was only our second count at BBL and last year's yielded only 19 species."

The most counted butterfly was the Gulf Fritillary with 130 observations of adults, 48 caterpillars and 11 chrysalises! Dr. Kauffman announced a particularly remarkable observation was that of a Dorantes Longtail Skipper, this was made by Naturalist Stephen Pagans and photographed by himself and his companion Charles Paxton, when validated this will be a first official record of the species for Ouachita Parish!

Last year we had a prolonged drought in Fall. This year has seen better conditions. The refuge continues to play an important role in scientific research and Citizen Science is proving to be useful!

2024 EARTH DAY CELEBRATED

4/28/2024

One man's perspective - by C. Paxton

A good time seemed had by all on Sat. April 27. 2024, as crowds gathered again to celebrate Earth Day in one of the prettiest natural areas in Northeast Louisiana, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe.

This 5300-acre refuge is remarkable for the quality and variety of wildlife habitats (lake, bottom-land forest, marshland, prairie and mixed pine and hardwood forest), also for their accessibility due to urban location and top-class infrastructure! People access these habitats for enjoyable recreation, nature conservation education and scientific endeavors!

All of this was going on simultaneously yesterday and it was wonderful to be a part of it! There were about twenty different booths/tables set up for educational outreach, refreshments and enjoyment.

The well-subscribed Plein Art Contest had participants fanning out throughout the refuge, setting up easels and producing an array of art works impressive for their speed of production, unique respective charm and diversity of perspective. It was very hard to choose my favorite for the People's Choice Award. The pictures looked very well exhibited together! They all looked great on the show board!

It was a bright and breezy day, and the lake surface was choppy. Though the wind advisory prohibited kayaking/canoeing there was plenty else going on!

Two of the three nature hikes were led by Refuge volunteers: Anirudh Girey, and Kimmie and Charles Paxton, around the ponds and the accessible boardwalks and the pier. Ouachita Green Volunteers in "Love The Boot" T-shirts collected trash as they walked. The groups observed a variety of dragonflies, butterflies, birds including Green and Little Blue Herons, Tree and Barn Swallows (some nesting), American Alligators, Southern Broad-banded Watersnakes and Red-eared Slider turtles.

Another hike, led by Ace Intern Jackson Cox focused on birding along The Edgewater Trail, that expedition was enriched by the very rare sighting of a laying female Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii. ULM ProfessorEmeritus of Biology, John Carr refers to it as a "Macro".

The first hiking party and passers-by were thrilled to participate in a soul-satisfying turtle release event for the sake of perpetuating the same species of concern! As a culmination of a joint project between the Refuge, ULM Scientists and The Nachitoches National Fish Hatchery, the safe release back into the wild of forty-two Alligator Snapping Turtles is a point of pride! This replenishment of the population helps counter the turtles' biggest threat, nest raiding by raccoons.

I was blessed to join ULM Post-grad Herpetologist, Jess Goodrich and Jackson to catch a glimpse of a nesting female and retreat quickly to avoid putting her off-lay. Jess later returned to collect the eggs for rearing and release. Upon my later return I disturbed a raccoon raid on another Macro's nest and was privileged to stand guard over it until Jess was able to safely collect the remaining eggs for secure, controlled incubation in the ULM Biology Dept.'s incubating facility. Raccoons will return to a nest and take ALL the eggs. They are adept at finding them and are thought to destroy up to 90% of the nests.

Jess is licensed to handle wildlife, she showed me how to carefully remove eggs, maintaining their original orientation and reset them upright in a basket of sand. Each is spherical, firm, dry and cool. They need to remain so as they can be damaged by excessive heat and can drown if flooded.

Jess works with ULM Prof. Emeritus of Biology John Carr in internationally important Chelonian Conservation Research. Among other duties she faithfully patrols the refuge to rescue turtle eggs before they can be ruined by predators. The Raccoon's main natural enemies were wolves that no longer hunt them around here.

Among other things, the second walking party observed the released turtles settling into their new home, hanging out among the water weeds in the Cypress swamp! It was wonderful to see them taking their rightful place in the ecosystem.

In the Conservation Learning Center, LWF award-winning Conservation Volunteer of the Year, Jim Kolinski, showed visitors reptiles and fish from the lake.

I broke my record with over 14,000 steps recorded on my Charity Miles app. Did you know you can hike for charitable effect? While busy with these things, I'm walking for The Nature Conservancy!

Jim Kolinski Celebrated As Volunteer Conservationist of the Year by LWF!

4/15/2024

Jim is our volunteer leader at the Black Bayou Lake Conservation Learning Center in Monroe where he serves as an animal caretaker, educator, and staff member and has been credited with keeping the Center open to the public while contributing over 2,000 volunteer hours in 2023! He's so very dedicated that he stayed in Monroe at the Learning Center to assist with the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association Rendezvous 2024 rather than attending the award ceremony in Baton Rouge! A big thank you from us all, Jim. You are our conservation volunteer hero!

Recovering History at Black Bayou Lake NWR

2/24/2024

The Bufferin Cemetery, image and copyright, Kristen Boyd 2023

By C. Paxton, Friends of Black Bayou Director at Large

It’s appropriate during Black History Month 2024 to celebrate the important research work of American Conservation Experience (ACE) volunteer Researcher and certified teacher, Kristen Boyd, at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Timothy Cemetery site, image and copyright Kristen Boyd 2023.

The Bufferin and St. Timothy cemeteries were both associated with tenant farming communities on the former plantations abutting the beautiful Bayou Desiard. A great many graves are thought to comprise the Bufferin Cemetery, grown up now with mature mixed bottomland woodland, pictured above, (image and copyright, Kristen Boyd 2023).

Erin Bellavia, Refuge Manager for the Black Bayou Lake, D'Arbonne, Handy Brake, & Upper Ouachita NWR's says “The eventual goal of this project is to be able to tell the story and honor those who lived on this land and translate that human experience to the larger conservation story of land use over time and human impacts on the ecosystem.”

Erin explains that as only a few graves of potentially hundreds are marked, a huge part of Kristen’s research has involved tracking down Mr. Mackie Freeze (age 96) who grew up on Parker Plantation and went on to be a legendary football coach.

Kristen spent many hours recording conversations with Mr.Freeze and has uncovered some incredible information that would otherwise have been lost to posterity. Amongst other things she has been able to add a few names to the list of those buried in unmarked graves.

Both in terms of family history and local Louisiana’s history this is like uncovering buried treasure.

Mr. Freeze unfortunately passed away in January 2024, Erin says “We are so thankful for the time that we had with him!”

In her Project Outline for The Friends of Black Bayou, Kristen tells us that her investigations uncovered “Mr. Mackie Freeze, Sr. 's profound familial connections to both sites. With Mr. Freeze's assistance, I was able to uncover the names of deceased family members and friends of the Freeze family buried at St. Timothy Cemetery, whose graves were unmarked, but their legacies remained. Since the project's extension in October, I have collected audio recordings of the Freeze family's oral histories, generously shared by Mr. Mackie Freeze, Sr. I had the privilege of fostering relationships with Mr. Freeze, his family members, members of the St. Timothy Baptist Church members (previously located on refuge grounds), and the community members who demonstrated interest in continuing this project. Additionally, I have unearthed original photographs from descendants who lived on the refuge during its plantation days, thanks to Mrs. Bertha Scott!” The image left shows the St. Timothy Cemetery site (is copyright Kristen Boyd 2023).

FoBB's President, Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee said "We at FoBB are delighted to provide funding for this project. Initiatives like these greatly enhance FoBB's scope and impact as an organization. I firmly believe that such endeavors are vital, benefiting not only the refuge but also the broader community."

The Friends of Black Bayou Lake Board of Directors are so pleased with her work research so far that they requested that Kristen submit a detailed proposal with project milestones and due dates for the next phase of her work to assist in their consideration for to extending their Board funding of this valuable project. The Board has recently voted to fund her a second time!

Kristen's image of herself and Mackie Freeze (Copyright Kristen Boyd, 2023).

What does the future hold? The proposal is in the pipeline. Kristen tells us “Another undertaking is an educational program that combines the history of the refuge's land with a focus on conservation efforts and how the environment and landscape have evolved over almost a century.”

Kristen says “I am also developing a Black History program to honor Mr. Freeze and his family's extensive history and connections to the land. This program serves not only as an educational initiative but also highlights an integral member of the surrounding community.”

Kristen tells us “Several initiatives are currently underway regarding this project. One of them is the production of the podcast, "Untold Stories: Black Bayou," which delves into the history of Black Bayou before it became a refuge and features firsthand accounts from Mackie Freeze Sr. as direct descendant. The recording and editing of the second episode is in the final stages, while the third episode pays tribute to Mr. Freeze's life following his recent passing. Kristen says, “Additionally, I am compiling and organizing numerous hours of recordings between Mr. Freeze and myself, along with other community members, including Bertha Scott, Ericka Kelley, and Hugh Tucker.”

Kristen is also “planning to organize a “’Descendant's Day’ celebration as a community event that pays tribute to the history of the refuge and the individuals buried on the property.”

She says “This event becomes especially important in light of Mr. Freeze's passing. Descendant family members would have the chance to connect with each other and share their stories, history, and cultural traditions with the community. Hosting this event would also help the refuge to enhance its engagement with the public, expand community outreach, and promote its efforts in historical preservation and conservation.”

Kristen says "This journey has been one of my greatest accomplishments in life. It was an absolute adventure of a summer tracking down Mr. Freeze and the rest of the information I found! It was an incredible journey and though I encountered several road blocks, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I had many people tell me that I wouldn’t find anything and that researching the people buried at cemeteries almost completely unmarked would be nearly impossible. I made it my mission to prove these people wrong as absolutely no one deserves to be forgotten or erased from history."

When asked about the challenges she answered "I will say that it was challenging digging through records both digital and physical as African-Americans were not given nearly as many resources as others half a century ago. Looking through Census records and newspapers from the 30s and 40s was also a major road-block in my research. Census records from those decades were not as reliable as there was typically a different person going door to door handwriting Peoples records and spelling their names however they thought they should be spelled!"

"Another challenge I faced was differentiating between the amount of land and sharecroppers that were actually specific to the plantation as John B. Parker and John P. Parker were both prominent plantation owners back in their day and happened to be in neighboring areas though they shared no relation."

The rewards, however, were well worth the troubles! Kristen says "This project has become so special to my heart and getting to know Mr. Freeze in his later days is something I will forever cherish. He was an extraordinary man and someone who impacted not only my life, but hundreds of others in many ways. Through this project I was also able to meet his wonderful family, members of the St. Timothy Baptist Church, like the delightful, Mrs. Bertha Scott, whose stories will be featured later in the podcast, and Mr. Hugh Tucker, whose familial connections to the refuge’s land also run deep."

Kristen is grateful for the support for the project, "Refuge Manager, Erin Bellavia, has been so supportive during my time with this project, and honestly, one of my biggest cheerleaders. Any time I found new information, she was just as excited as I was and pushed me to keep going on days I continuously hit roadblocks. I have made lifelong friendships through this project and am so thankful for Black Bayou."

When asked about her wildlife encounters Kristen said "I have seen alligators and snakes here and there, but nothing too crazy. I know to most, that actually might seem “too crazy,” but as an avid nature and wildlife lover, I just saw it as another day on the refuge. I fell in love with Brother (one of the refuge's captive Louisiana Pine Snakes) my first week at the refuge, although I can’t say the same for Grouchy, LOL! "

"Falling asleep and waking up to nature’s symphony was also one of the highlight’s of being at BBL. It is such a peaceful place and getting to know the land and so many other people that care about it was so touching."

Kristen says "Black Bayou will always have a piece of my heart."

"American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience."

Since 1976, every US President has celebrated the achievements of African Americans and recognized their central role in U.S. history.
Learn More About Black History Month

Jim Kolinski is Louisiana Wildlife Federation's Volunteer Conservationist of the Year!

2/22/2024

Jim with a young Southern Broad-banded Watersnake. Jim serves countless hours lovingly caring for and feeding the creatures in his care, cleaning their habitats and meeting the public.

The LWF awards program recognizes "individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant and outstanding contribution toward the protection and wise use of Louisiana’s natural resources in the previous year. Each honoree will receive a handsome wildlife statuette. The recipients will be honored at a celebratory banquet at Boudreaux's held in Baton Rouge on April 12, 2024.

Thank you, LWF! It's fantastic news that Jim Kolinski has earned the prestigious Louisiana Wildlife Federation's Volunteer Conservationist of the Year Award!

Jim Kolinski serves as curator and environmental educator at the Black Bayou Lake Conservation Education Center in Monroe, LA. Refuge Manager Erin Bellavia says "He really works full time here, and spends a lot of his own money on the animals." Jim serves countless hours feeding the creatures in his care, cleaning their habitats and meeting the public.

Jim talks well with people of all ages and provides experiential environmental education about reptiles and fish, conveying his love and making visits special!

He not only acquires and tends to the animals and fish, but he also maintains healthy habitats and keeps the tanks sparkling clear. He tracks the growth of the reptiles and takes steps to maintain their health and handleability as wildlife ambassadors!

He has helped multiple visitors overcome snake phobia and enables many events for the Friends of Black Bayou and local Louisiana Master Naturalists.

Thank you, Jim! Your loving care makes Black Bayou Lake Nature Education Center in Monroe, LA, accessible and wonderful.

2023 Photo Contest Winners Announced

10/18/2023

ALL the 2023 winning photographs here>>

Congratulations to each and every photographer submitting photos in the 2023 Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Annual Photo Contest

BEST IN SHOW:
"Patches" by Jeff Perot

ALL the 2023 winning photographs here>>

The 2023 contest rules are here>>

2023 Fall Celebration Oct 21 9AM to 2PM

8/11/2023

Fall Celebration Oct 21 2023 at Black Bayou Lake National WIldlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the annual Fall Celebration out at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9am through 2pm. Stay around after the festival is over to keep exploring the wildlife refuge, and see how humans are taking great strides to keep wildlife safe in an environment where they are protected and respected.

There will be lots of FUN activities for kids and grownups, too! Educators will be on hand sharing information on the animals in our area, with lots of activities for hands-on learning. Face painting, button making, games, and more.

The winning entries in the 2023 Photo Contest will be on display. Deadline to submit entries by email is October 1, 2023.

Keep up-to-date on the plans and specifics with us here on our website, AND on our FoBB Facebook Group>>

We hope to see you there!

FINALLY Re-opening!! (Partially...)

5/12/2023

Subject to volunteer availability the Visitor Center will be open:
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 9 am - 4 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Sundays 1 pm -4 pm.
The Conservation Learning Center will be open:
Mondays 9 am - 1 pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 9 am - 4 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Sundays 1 pm -4 pm.

THANKS to the US Fish and Wildlife Service hiring an intern, Jackson Cox, to work at Black Bayou Lake NWR. Jackson will split his time between the Visitor Center, the Conservation Learning Center, and other projects around the refuges (volunteers will be around, too). Welcome Jackson! Thank you for your help.

Visitor Center at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Monroe, Louisiana

Conservation Education Building with Blue Goose out front

Frog Walk and Talk! June 3, 2023

5/12/2023

Moonlight Frog Walk and Talk
Saturday June 3, 2023 at 7pm
Learn about frogs, how to identify their calls, as you enjoy a guided walk with others who want to learn what that sound is in the night.
Meet up in front of the Visitor Center
(We suggest bringing a headlamp or flashlight to help with nighttime footing.)

2023 June Moonlight Frog Walk and Talk Educational Program at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Earth Day 2023 at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana

5/7/2023

A good time was had by all at the Earth Day 2023 celebration event at Northeast Louisiana's Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge! There was also plenty of environmental education from soil science and herpetology to Climate Sience.

This sort of event is great for outreach and recruiting new FoBB members and volunteers.
Would you like to join Friends of Black Bayou?

Friends of Black Bayou Lake NWR and Louisiana Master Naturalist Northeast member Dr. Anne Frazier was educating for Climate Change awareness from her "Eyes on the Climate" table display at the BBL-NWR Earth Day Celebration on April 22nd..

Anne says "I had great contributions from Erin Bellavia (formerly Cox) on the orphan well capping project for the North Louisiana Refuges Compex that's funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. Tyler Fricker prepared the global surface temperature maps for 1980, 2000, and 2020, and Jana Giles shared ideas for content and presentation".

She says "Having a lattice as the support for the display worked out pretty well. My notion was that if the day were windy (which it often is at the refuge), a lattice would be more stable than standard poster board. As it turned out, the weather was very nice without much wind."

Thanks to Anne, brochures on the "Louisiana Master Naturalist Program" and "Healing Nature" brochures were available along with a sign-up sheet for prospective new members. Sure enough, a prospective new member signed up on the day!

Check out Ani's FB post for some great shots!

Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Inc.
Board of Directors and Officers 2024-2025 >>

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

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Website maintained and updated by FoBB volunteers.
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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 [email protected] and let us know. Thank you for sharing your talents and the refuge with the rest of the world.