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Bayou Sauvage is the largest urban national wildlife refuge in the country. Its 23,000 acres lie entirely within the city limits of New Orleans.
The refuge habitats include estuarine and freshwater marshes interspersed with shallow, open waterways and a hardwood hammock.
Diverse wintering waterfowl visit the refuge. The threatened American bald eagle, peregrine falcon and American alligator also are found here.
Bayou Sauvage emphasizes recreation and education. The refuge offers outings and environmental education programs for local schools.
Visitors enjoy the Ridge Trail boardwalk and the Madere Marsh trail with its boardwalk and observation deck.
The Maxent levee and roadways within the refuge are open to bicycling. It can be reached at Exit 251 of Interstate 10.
Canoeing and boating opportunities are extensive, with many miles of canals, ponds and bayous. There are boat launches on U.S. 11 and Crabbing Bridge Road.
Fishing from boats and shore is popular along the Maxent Canal and off U.S. 11.
A wood duck nest box program is active on the refuge as well.
Repairs to refuge facilities after Hurricane Katrina are nearing completion and most areas are open. The two-thirds-mile Ridge Trail boardwalk is expected to reopen in late spring 2007. Call the refuge before you visit for the latest information about trails and facilities.
Outdoor Activities |
