Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge - FoBB Blog

2020 Photo Contest Winners Announced

2/2/2021

On February 1, 2021, the winners of the 2020 Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge PHOTO CONTEST are announced. Ribboned photographs are:

Best of Show-Adult Division, Kimmie Paxton, “Ardea Alba Angling”
Adult, 2nd place: Doug Moon, “Barred Owl”
Adult, 3rd place: Charles Paxton, “American Alligator and Amber Wings”
Adult, Honorable Mention: Doug Moon, “This Is My Spot”; Anirudh Girey, “Lightning Strike by the Lake”; Tim Spillers, “Early Morning Playing.”
Youth, 1st place: Lexi Harper, “Purple Beauty”
Youth, 2nd place: Marirose Spillers, “Standing Out”
Youth, Honorable Mention: Lexi Harper, “I See You”; Tyler Byrd, “Cypress Balls”; Lexi Harper, “Another Day Gone.”

See all winning photos>>

Best of Show-Adult Division,

Best of Show-Adult Division, "Ardea Alba Angling" by photographer Kimmie Paxton FoBB 2020 Photo Contest

Youth 1st Place Division,

Youth 1st Place Division, "Purple Beauty" by photographer Lexi Harper FoBB 2020 Photo Contest

See All winning photos>

All photos in the contest were taken at the North Louisiana Refuges Complex, including Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge, Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge, Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, and Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge.

FoBB board member Leslie Calhoun was chair of the contest this year, with assistance from Ann Bloxom Smith. Judges were several regional photographers who evaluated the entries in youth and adult categories. Charles Heck, Sr., founded the contest in 2004. Deborah Evans is the current president of the Friends, following the 2020 president Gloria Dedmon.

The public is invited to view all the ribbon-winning photos on the FoBB website, www.friendsofblackbayou.org. Although the refuge visitor center is presently closed due to Covid 19, when it reopens, the photos will be on display there.

CONGRATULATIONS PHOTOGRAPHERS!

2020 Photo Contest Announced!

9/21/2020

2020 Friends of Black Bayou Photo Contest is different from previous years’ contests, but the objectives are the same: to encourage protection of wildlife and conservation of natural resources through photographic skills and an appreciation of natural settings on the Refuge.

In 2020 no print photographs will be accepted--only emailed electronic entries, and only two categories of entrants: Youth (under 17 years of age) and Adult (17 years and above). Both amateur and professional photographers are eligible to enter.

Details and Rules>>

2020 Officers & Board Announced

1/24/2020

Friends of Black Bayou announce 2020 Leaders

Congratulations to the newly seated leaders of FoBB:
President Gloria Dedmon
President-Elect Deborah Evans
Past President/Historian: Ann Bloxom Smith
Treasurer: Anna Hill
Recording Secretary: Sheila McCormick
Membership Secretary: Vernon Wells
Nature Store Director: Leslie Calhoun
Education Director: Clair Calhoun Roane
At Large Board Members:
Becky Ham, Ron Hiltz, Rico Pleasant, Anirudh Girey

Watch for more updates soon!

2019 Photo Contest

8/29/2019

We welcome you as a participant in the annual Friends of Black Bayou, Inc. Photo Contest held each October in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week. The photo contest is open to all photographic skill levels. FoBB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supporting the protection and enhancement of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This photographic competition is an opportunity to promote and encourage an appreciation of wildlife and the scenic natural settings that abound within the North Louisiana Refuges Complex, consisting of Black Bayou Lake, D'Arbonne, Handy Brake and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuges. If you have questions, please call 318-387-1114 or email friendsofblackbayou@gmail.com .

Contest Rules>> Thanks for participating!

Pollinator Garden Workday March 30 8am

3/22/2019

FoBB's Wildflower/garden project
The first official garden workday has been scheduled for 8 am, Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Monica Boudreux plans for “adopt-a-plots” and calls for donations of tools, topsoil, and seeds.
Adopt-a-Plot - If you are interested in working on a two-person team for adopting each plot (to do the weeding and other tasks needed), contact Monica Boudreaux at friendsofblackbayou@gmail.com.

FoBB has already received donations of two birdbaths, kneel-pads, two benches are promised! And monetary donations for the pollinator garden are also now being accepted!

Ready to donate? Click HERE

Grand Opening of Alligator Exhibit April 22, 2019

3/22/2019

Grand Opening of New Alligator Exhibit
April 22, 2019 at 6:30PM
Thank you to all volunteers who donated time, money, and ideas to the new alligator exhibit.
Mark your calendar ... details coming soon

Spider, Gator, DFs by Mack Barham - 2009 Photo Contest Winner

New Officers 2019-2020

2/19/2019

ANNOUNCEMENT! New officers and board members of Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife refuge for 2019-2010 are:

President: Ann Smith
Vice President: Kris Kelley
Treasurer: Bob Eisenstadt
Recording Secretary: Theresa Do
Membership Secretary: Wanda Kelley
Shop Directors: Gloria Dedmon and Leslie Calhoun
Education Director: Angela Harrison
At-Large Board Members: Anna Hill, Monica Boudreaux, Kelby Ouchley, Becky Ham, Jamie Parker, Cyndy Hardaker, and Melanie Dedmon.

Congratulations to the new slate of leaders!

2018 Photo Contest Winners Announced

10/6/2018

Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Annual Photo Contest Results
Winners of the fourteenth annual Friends of Black Bayou photo contest were named on October 6, 2018, with a scenic/professional division photo called “Full Moon Ibis” by local photographer William Watson winning Best of Show.

All photos in the contest were taken at the North Louisiana Refuges Complex, including Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge, Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge and Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge.
FoBB board member Leslie Calhoun was chair of the contest this year, with assistance from FoBB members Kris Kelley, Gloria Dedmon, Bob Eisenstadt, Monique Keeling, and Ann Bloxom Smith. Judges were several local photographers who evaluated the entries in youth, adult professional and adult amateur categories. Charles Heck, Sr., founded the contest in 2004. Kristopher Kelley is the current president of the Friends.
The public is invited to view the winning photos during the annual Fall Celebration, which occurs Saturday, October 13, 2018, 10 am-3 pm, when there will also be a free lunch and lots of family activities. The photos will also be on display in the Refuge Visitor Center at least through November, in addition to being on the FoBB website, www.friendsofblackbayou.org

Ribboned photographs are as follows:
Grand prize/best of show: William Watson, “Full Moon Ibis.”
Judges’ Special Environmental Consciousness Award: Cyndy Hardaker, “Please Do Not Litter!”

Amateur--Scenic: 1st—Monica Boudreaux, “Serenity Now”; 2nd—Kris Kelley, “Refuge Visitor Center at Sunset”; 3rd—Lorrie Watson, “Serenity.” Honorable Mention: Tammy Smith, “The Great Fly-By” and “Solemn Serenity”; Monica Boudreaux, “Painting the Bayou” and “Cloudy Illusion.”
Amateur--Wildlife: 1st—Lorrie Watson, “Dancing Giants”; 2nd—Cyndy Hardaker, “Wood Storks”; 3rd—Monica Boudreaux, “All in the Family.” Honorable Mention: Cyndy Hardaker, “’Gulp’—Snake Eating Frog”; Lorrie Watson, “Gator in the Morning Light”; Tammy Smith, “Now You See Me” and “I’ve Got My Eye on You.”
Amateur--Birds: 1st—Lorrie Watson, “Mama Feeding Baby”; 2nd—Monica Boudreaux, “Content”; 3rd—Cyndy Hardaker, “Belted Kingfisher.” Honorable Mention: Cyndy Hardaker, “Eastern Screech Owl”; Monica Boudreaux, “Bashful Blue”; Kimberly Paxton, “Thrush in Winter”; Lorrie Watson, “Symmetry in Flight” and Great Blue Heron in Flight.”
Amateur--Plants: 1st—Monica Boudreaux, “The Life Source”; 2nd—Amber Johnfroe, “Misted Hyacinth”; 3rd—Cyndy Hardaker, “Brown-Eyed Susans.” Honorable Mention: Monica Boudreaux, “Radiant”; Cyndy Hardaker, “Mexican Sunflower”; Tammy Smith, “Just Buzzing By.”
Amateur--People on the Refuge: 1st—Kimberly Paxton, “Meeting the Snake”; 2nd—Tammy Smith, “Rowing Along”; 3rd—Monica Boudreaux, “Mother’s Love.”  Honorable Mention: Monica Boudreaux, “Road to Fitness”; Lorrie Watson, “Wrong Camo Dude.”
Amateur—Macro/Micro: 1st—Kris Kelley, “Dragonfly Eye”; 2nd—Cyndy Hardaker, “Painted Lady Butterfly”; 3rd—Lorrie Watson, “Thistle.”  Honorable Mention: Kris Kelley, “Sulphur Butterfly”; Monica Boudreaux, “On the Throne.”

Professional—Scenic: 1st—Jeff Perot, “Waterlogged”; 2nd—Mike Colvin, “A Maple among Cypress”; 3rd—William Watson, “Look Deeper: Foggy Morning on the Lake.” Honorable Mention: Douglas Hazard, “Sunrise”; Jeff Perot, “Old Oak.”
Professional—Wildlife: 1st—Chad McElwee, “Evening Glow”; 2nd—Mike Colvin, “Channeling Yoda”; 3rd—William Watson, “Big Boys Club.” Honorable Mention: Chad McElwee, “Blended”; Mike Colvin, “Double Vision.”
Professional—Birds: 1st—William Watson, “Dancing Dress: Great Egret”; 2nd—Mike Colvin, “Tossed Bug for Lunch”; 3rd—Tammy Heil, “That’s My Bug!!” Honorable Mention: William Watson, “The Elusive One: Least Bittern”; Mike Colvin, “Stop-Action Eagle
Professional—Plants: 1st—Mike Colvin, “Early Light: Morning Glory”; 2nd—Jeff Perot, “Bright Beginning”; 3rd—Nathan Tremaine, “Blossom.” Honorable Mention: Mike Colvin, “Spider Lily”; Jeff Perot, “Blooming Light.”
Professional—People on the Refuge: 1st—Nathan Tremaine, “Balance”; 2nd—Chad McElwee, “Sunset Conversation”; 3rd—Mike Colvin, “Walking on Water.”
Professional—Macro/Micro: 1st—Chad McElwee, “Luminous”;  2nd—William Watson, “Maybe She’s Born with It!”; 3rd—Charles Paxton, “Ambushed.” Honorable Mention: William Watson, “Tails It Is!” and “Tiny Flower-Tender: Jumping Spider”; Mike Colvin, “Fuzzy Bumble Bee.”

Youth—Scenic: 1st—Lexi Harper, “Teacups”; 2nd—Kate Kyzar, “Gray and Alone”; 3rd—Dorion McFadden, “Thunder on the Bayou.” Honorable Mention—Lexi Harper, “Here Comes the Moon”; Kate Kyzar, “Louisiana Landscape.”
Youth—Micro: 1st—Lexi Harper, “Dinner Is Served”; 2nd—Kate Kyzar, “Gray Galaxy”; 3rd—Dorion McFadden, “Wildflower.” Honorable Mention—Lexi Harper, “Get Your Own Flower”; Lexi Harper, “Stay Away from Me.”
Youth—Plants: 1st—Lexi Harper, “Queen of the Pad!”; 2nd—Kate Kyzar, “Bright Red”; 3rd—Makala Gagnon, “Untitled.” Honorable Mention—Lexi Harper, “End of the Day”; Lexi Harper, “Don’t Leave Me Hangin’!”; Nola Grigson, “Untitled (Zinnia)”; Dorion McFadden, “Rose and Thorns.”
Youth—People on the Refuge: 1st—Lexi Harper, “Where Did That Bug Go?”; 2nd—Keira Boudreaux, “Pro on the Trail”; 3rd—Sapphire Davis, “Untitled (Nova).”Honorable Mention—Lexi Harper, “Run!”; Lexi Harper, “Wait for Me!”
Youth—Birds: 1st—Keira Bourdreaux, “Fly By”; 2nd—Lexi Harper, “It Is Hot!”; 3rd—Dorion McFadden, “Swoosh!” Honroable Mention—Lexi Harper, “Get Your Own Branch!”; Lexi Harper, “Where Are You, Little Fish?”
Youth—Wildlife: 1st—Kate Kyzar, “Black and White Beauty”; 2nd—Lexi Harper, “I Love the Sun.” Honorable Mention—Lexi Harper, “King of the Lily Pad”; Lexi Harper, “Make Room for Me!”

2018 Photo Contest is Now Open

9/3/2018

2018 Fall Celebration Trail Run Registration Open

8/13/2018

Registration is now available online - Click here for more information

Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Officers 2021
President: Vernon Wells
Past President: Gloria Dedmon
Treasurer: Anna Hill
Membership Secretary/Historian: Ann Smith
Recording Secretary: Jessica Wright
Education Director: Clair Calhoun Roane
Nature Shop Director: Leslie Calhoun
At-Large Board Members: Ron Hiltz, Rico Pleasant, Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Anirudh Girey,
Becky Ham, Mark Elliott Jr., Sheila McCormick, Suzanne Laird-Dartez
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

Website maintained and updated by FoBB volunteers. Please let us know if you see something that needs changing.
All content is copyrighted. For permission to use, please contact 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.