North Louisiana hosts a variety of migrating bird and butterfly species as the seasons change. One of the missions of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is to provide a safe haven for these weary travelers on their long journey.
To highlight the importance of the refuge to these animal's survival, and to spotlight the perils they face along the way, Black Bayou is hosting Migration Day on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day.
Refuge Ranger Nova Clarke explains, "Nationally every year in May, a lot of places celebrate International Migratory Bird Day, but we also want to focus on the butterflies cause the Monarch's have migrated back from Mexico. Louisiana is one of the central locations where we get a lot of migratory birds and butterflies coming through."
Although the trails, wildlife pier, and boat ramp remain submerged, the staff at Black Bayou remain undaunted. The visitor and learning centers are open, and the refuge has many activities planned to celebrate the event including a migration game, bird and butterfly mask-making, the turning of the big blue goose, and making "seed bombs" for Mother's day.
Also on display is an art exhibit containing paintings, photographs, and oral histories about life in coastal Louisiana. Friends of Black Bayou will also be conducting a fundraiser to pay for a new butterfly garden at Black Bayou.
For more information, visit Black Bayou Lake NWR on Facebook, or call 387-1144.
