"The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will once again celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at the annual Wild Things festival on October 17 at Southeast Louisiana Refuges in Lacombe. Now in its 12th year and still growing, Wild Things is one of the most popular nature/conservation events in the region. Wild Things showcases the National Wildlife Refuges in our area, and also welcomes other 25-30 guest organizations and individuals to share wildlife and conservation-oriented displays, presentations, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Wild Things Features Something for Everyone October 17, 2009 -
New attractions this year will include the recently-opened Southeast Louisiana Refuges' visitor center, several new trails around the grounds and an expanded music lineup. Last year's popular "hayride shuttle" will return to make getting around the 110-acre site easier. We're also bringing back the casting pond where kids can try their luck hitting targets with spin-cast fishing gear. The Kid's Tent will offer other fun nature crafts and learning games.
Pontoon boat tours will be offered on Bayou Lacombe, and more energetic types can paddle their own canoe on a guided trip among the cypresses and Spanish moss of this beautiful waterway. Van tours will escort visitors even further into Big Branch Marsh refuge for a look at how the refuge manages areas for endangered species.
Fly-tying demonstrations will be offered, and local wildlife artisans will be displaying their talents and products. Plenty of live animals will be on hand. Throw in continuous live music and delicious food, and you've got the makings of a great family event. Proceeds from food and drink sales benefit the non-profit Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, who assist us with countless projects on all of our refuges.
Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots will headline the expanded music lineup this year. First up, beginning at 10:30 am, will be the bluegrass group The High Ground Drifters. The members of the group are New Orleans based and have appeared at Jazzfest, Abita Opry, and Steam Train Festival, among other gigs. Next, the Blues Rangers will take to the stage. Dave Allen,Wildlife Biologist, and Tate Thriffiley, District Ecologist for the De Soto National Forest perform songs that cover topics ranging from the increasing loss of greenspace to the need for prescribed burning and the importance of being "Firewise". They have performed to audiences all across the United States highlighting current natural and cultural resource management issues. Capping the lineup will be Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, led by Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes. Sunpieis a master harmonica player, accomplished accordionist, and a jam-up drummer who leads his band through a beautiful mix of blues, Zydeco, Caribbean, and New Orleans style music. He and his band have performed throughout the country and in many locations abroad. The event music is courtesy of the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges with support by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs/Department of Cultural and Governmental Affairs, St. Tammany Parish.
Wild Things is a great place to learn about how you can take part in exciting volunteer activities and projects on area refuges, or get involved with other conservation organizations in our area.
Last year over 2500 visitors enjoyed Wild Things! Admission, parking, and all tours and programs are free.
10 am - 5 pm
Southeast Louisiana Refuges
61389 Hwy 434 in Lacombe
How to get there: From I-12 take Exit 74 toward Lacombe (Hwy 434). Go two miles to the headquarters entrance on the right. Or, from Hwy 190 in Lacombe go north on Hwy 434 for ¼ mile and turn left into the headquarters entrance. For more information phone 985-882-2000."
I attended this fest several years ago with my cub scouts. As den leader, it was a helpful and informative festival. I had an agenda to achieve for the scouts. I hope to attend this year and enjoy the relaxing fun side of the event!
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