Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

05/22/2026

(202/250) The northern water snake is a nonvenomous reptile found near freshwater across much of eastern and central North America. As temperatures rise, they emerge from winter denning sites to find mates. In late summer, females will give birth to live litters of 20-25 young.



Photo by Erin Huggins/USFWS

05/22/2026

UPDATE: The Louisa boat ramp remains under repair, and the inlet is now open. If you visit the refuge to fish the inlet, please give contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space and avoid parking near the work area.

NOTICE: The Louisa Access boat ramp will be closed for 1-2 weeks for repairs. The parking lot will remain open. If you choose to park here for birding, fishing or other activities, then please give the contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space.

05/14/2026

NOTICE: The Louisa Access boat ramp will be closed for 1-2 weeks for repairs. The parking lot will remain open. If you choose to park here for birding, fishing or other activities, then please give the contractors working on the boat ramp plenty of space.

05/12/2026

Repairs have been made to the outdoor restrooms at the Visitor's Center, and they are now open for the season. Thank you for your patience while this amenity was unavailable.

05/04/2026

UPDATE: River levels have recovered, and the Big Timber Access has been reopened.

04/13/2026

The timing. The accuracy. The commitment to crossing directly in front of the turtle crossing sign.

Here are some ways you can help turtles as they become more active near roadways.

🐢Slow down in areas where turtles live

🐢If you have to stop and help a turtle cross a road, make sure to prioritize your safety first

🐢If it needs help, move it in the direction it was already going

🐢A car mat works great for moving turtles

🐢Don't pick up a turtle by the tail. That is how you injure a turtle and immediately regret your choices

🐢Snapping turtles have very long necks and a very short temper. Hands near the back of the shell only. Respect the business end

Every turtle you help across the road is one more chance for the next generation to exist. Check out the comments to see our full list of tips on helping turtles.

Photo of a turtle crossing a road at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Photo by L. Bryant/USFWS

04/09/2026

NOTICE: Due to high water conditions on the Mississippi River, the Big Timber Access is closed.

03/20/2026

Sunday's blizzard could not keep spring from coming. The race to nesting areas is on for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The first day of spring has brought a sunny weekend that will be perfect for visiting the refuge and seeing many species in their best plumage.

Photos by Kenny Johnson

02/19/2026

This is what recovery looks like.

The wood stork has officially been removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. 🎉

When the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1984, its population had declined by more than 75% due to wetland loss, especially in South Florida. It was on the brink. Today, there are an estimated 10,000–14,000 nesting pairs across roughly 100 colony sites throughout the Southeast. That’s more than double the nesting pairs and more than triple the colonies compared to when it was listed.

The wood stork is the latest example of results-driven conservation that restores species and responsibly returns management to state and tribal partners.

Recovery. Accountability. Measurable progress.

Photo of wood stork at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge by Rob Sabatini (sharetheexperience)

12/09/2025

ATTENTION: Join our team!

The application period for our 2026 seasonal positions opened yesterday and closes DECEMBER 12th! All applications must be submitted through USA Jobs.

Maintenance Worker - https://www.usajobs.gov/job/851583300

Bio Tech - https://www.usajobs.gov/job/851582700

This position is a Biological Science Technician (General), GS- 0404-5. Salary: The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Locality tables may be found here ...