Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge

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Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is rich in wildlife and in recreation opportunities.

Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge in east New Orleans contains a variety of wildlife habitats — including patches of bottomland hardwood forest, freshwater, brackish and estuarine tidal marshes, lagoons, canals, and natural bayous. Bayou Sauvage is a popular place to enjoy fishing, crabbing, hiking, paddling, bird watching, nature photography, youth waterfowl hunting, self-guided tours, and interpretive and educational programs.

06/10/2026

Intern Highlight:

Help us welcome, Journey Moore.
We are delighted to welcome our newest intern, Journey, to Bayou Sauvage Urban this summer! Journey is joining us as an American Conservation Experience (ACE) member in Visitor Services & Community Outreach.

“Bonjou! I am an undergraduate student from St. Augustine, Florida, pursuing a degree in environmental science and policy. I am passionate about wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, and fostering positive relationships between communities and the natural world.
During my internship, I look forward to supporting conservation efforts, learning about the local ecosystem and community, and contributing to a sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.”

We are excited to have Journey on our team and look forward to the contributions she will make throughout her internship.

Photo Description: The new intern, Journey, is seated on an airboat wearing safety gear, including headphones for the wind and a life jacket, at the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo Credit: Giessell Aguilar

06/05/2026

This World Environment Day tell us: What's your favorite thing you've seen or experienced at Bayou Sauvage Urban?

Share your photos and stories in the comments!

Today, we celebrate the incredible natural places that sustain wildlife, protect our communities, and connect us to the outdoors. Right here in New Orleans East, the Refuge provides over 27,000 acres of wetlands, marshes, and waterways that support hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles, and other wildlife.

These wetlands do more than provide habitat—they help reduce storm impacts, improve water quality, and offer opportunities for people to explore nature close to home.

Photo Credit: Ron Bible

05/30/2026

Playing hide-and-seek with a Green Heron? Good luck—they're experts!

These small but mighty birds are some of the coolest hunters at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. With their rich green backs, chestnut necks, and knack for blending into the marsh, Green Herons can be surprisingly hard to spot... until they strike!

Luckily, Bayou Sauvage's vast wetlands provide the perfect home for them, offering plenty of shallow water, marsh vegetation, and tasty snacks like fish, frogs, and insects.

Want your best chance to see one? Head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon and scan the edges of ponds, canals, and marshes.

Have you spotted a Green Heron at Bayou Sauvage? Tell us where you found this marshland magician!

05/27/2026

It’s Black Birders Week!

Black Birders Week is a celebration of representation, community, and reconnecting with nature. It highlights the experiences, voices, and contributions of Black birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts while helping create more inclusive spaces in the outdoors for everyone.

Here in New Orleans, we are fortunate to have Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge right in our backyard, the second largest urban wildlife refuge in the country and home to over 350 species of birds. From migratory songbirds to wading birds and raptors, the refuge offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with wildlife and community.

This week and every week, we invite everyone to come experience the joy of birdwatching and discover the beauty of our shared public lands.

Photo description: Fellow bird enthusiast birding on refuge.

05/13/2026

Right here in NOLA East, we have one of the nation’s second largest urban wildlife refuges—and it’s full of incredible birds!

From roseate spoonbills and painted bunting to bald eagles, purple gallinules, and migratory songbirds, Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge provides crucial habitat for wildlife and a peaceful place for our community to connect with nature.

Having this refuge in our own backyard is something truly special. Next time you visit, look up—you never know what birds you might spot!

Photo: Painted bunting and purple gallinule at Bayou Sauvage Urban
Photo Credit: R Bibles

05/09/2026

May is Wetlands Month, and here in Southeast Louisiana, wetlands are life.

At Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, and Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge—managed together as part of our refuge complex—we protect thousands of acres of vital wetland habitat for both wildlife and people.

From Bayou Sauvage’s freshwater, brackish, and estuarine tidal marshes, lagoons, bayous, and bottomland hardwood forests, to Bayou Teche’s cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwood forests, bayous, and marshes, and Mandalay’s freshwater marshes and forested wetlands—these landscapes are the heartbeat of Louisiana. Bayou Sauvage alone supports over 340 bird species along the Mississippi Flyway, while Bayou Teche protects more than 9,000 acres of habitat critical for Louisiana black bears, migratory birds, and countless native species.

Wetlands do so much more than provide beautiful places to explore—they protect our communities from storm surge and flooding, improve water quality, support fisheries, store carbon, and provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs, alligators, wading birds, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds. At Bayou Sauvage, these wetlands also help protect New Orleans from hurricane storm surge.

This Wetlands Month, celebrate the marshes, swamps, bayous, and forests that protect Louisiana and remind us that healthy wetlands mean healthy communities.

Photo: Bayou Sauvage Urban NWR panorama with egrets
Tom Carlisle

05/08/2026

Event Update: Paint & Sip Postponed

Due to the forecast of thunderstorms this Saturday, we have decided to postpone our Paint & Sip event for everyone’s safety.

We were looking forward to spending the morning creating art, connecting with nature, and enjoying time together at the refuge. While we’re disappointed to postpone, safety always comes first.

We will share a new date soon and hope you’ll still be able to join us!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

05/06/2026

There’s still time to sign up for our FREE Paint & Sip event happening this Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge!

Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of painting, nature, and community. No experience needed, all supplies are provided, along with light refreshments thanks to the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges.

Spots are still available, but registration is required!

Please email Giessell Aguilar mailto:[email protected] to register by end of Thursday, May 7.

Come create, connect, and enjoy the refuge with us!

04/29/2026

Join us for a relaxing morning of creativity and connection at our Paint & Sip event!

Come out on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and enjoy painting in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, this event is for you!

Registration is required and spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early! Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc.

📍 16331 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

We look forward to creating with you!

04/25/2026

Our guided canoeing adventure at Bayou Sauvage Urban is happening Saturday, May 2, 2026, is now fully booked!

Big thanks to the Louisiana Conservation Corps crew for helping support this event.

Address

17160 Chef Menteur Highway
New Orleans, LA
70129

Telephone

+19858822000

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban

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