2009 Refuge Week Events at the Red River NWR
See our printable flyer (pdf) and complete event schedule (pdf) for more details.
The Refuge was featured in the Shreveport Times during the week of the Celebration:
Editorial: Refuge shows off Louisiana's original beauty
Red River Refuge to hold celebration
The Big Sit!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
When: Before dawn 'til after dark (6:30 a.m 'til)
Place: Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Headquarters Unit
555 Sunflower Road
Bossier City, LA 71112
Office: 742-1219
Who can attend: The public is invited. NO PETS PLEASE!
Sponsored by: Shreveport Society for Nature Study Bird Study Group, Friends of Red River, and the Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Admission: FREE!
About the Event: Founded by the New Haven, Connecticut, Bird Club and now hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest magazine, the Big Sit is an annual, international, noncompetitive birding event. It is sponsored nationally by Swarovski Optik, Alpen Optics, and Wild Bird Centers. 2009 will mark the 15th Annual Big Sit. From its beginnings as a strictly North American affair, the Big Sit has grown to include teams all over the world.
Swarovski Optik donates $500 to the team who gets the "Golden Bird." A bird species is selected by random drawing from all bird species sighted. All teams listing that species are entered in the random drawing for the Golden Bird. The winning circle then chooses a non-profit environmental-based organization to be the recipient of the $500. Sitters count birds observed or heard from within a 17-foot diameter circle. Sitters may come and go at will. Beginning birders are very welcome.
Signs along the refuge road will lead you to the circle. Parking will be available near the circle.
What to bring: Binoculars, scope, chair, hat, drinks, food, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.
5th Annual Refuge Celebration And Catfish Fry
Saturday, October 17, 2009
When: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Headquarters Unit
555 Sunflower Road
Bossier City, LA 71112
Office: 742-1219
Who can attend: The public is invited. NO PETS PLEASE!
Sponsored by: The Friends of Red River NWR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Admission: FREE! Donations to support the work of the Friends group for the refuge are appreciated. All activities are free except for photos taken with the baby alligators, which are $5.00 each. Free breakfast bars and beverages will be available in the morning. A free catfish lunch will be served at noon.
About the Event: Join us for guided nature walks, hayride refuge tours, hands-on learning activities for children, falconry demonstrations, door prizes, and photography contests for adults and children. Exhibits include a mounted Louisiana Black Bear adult and cub, live owls, herps and baby alligators with photo opportunities. New this year will be "A Year in the Life of a Black Bear" interactive obstacle course; an archaeological exhibit on local prehistoric Native Americans, including a hands-on demonstration of Native American tools; Art in Nature exhibit of local student artwork with face painting by students from Bossier Parish Schools' Gifted and Talented program; native plants exhibit and sales; and a fur trappers exhibit.
New items for sale at the Friends of Red River booth include handmade wooden refuge critters puzzles and Aldo Leopold-style benches.
What to bring: Cameras and binoculars.
Directions to the Refuge
From the intersection of US 71 (Barksdale Boulevard) and Jimmie Davis Highway (LA 511) in Bossier City, go south about one-half mile on US 71 and turn right (west) on Sunflower Road. Proceed to the end of the road to the refuge entrance.
Duck Stamps may be purchased at all Refuge events and at Friends of Red River meetings.