friends of laguna atascosa national wildlife refuge
Summer 2016 Newsletter
Rare Bird Continues at Laguna Atascosa NWR

Yes, she is still being sited as of the end of April.  A female crimson-collared grosbeak, a bird species endemic to NE Mexico, has been seen at the refuge since the end of January.  Her preferred food is the fruits of the potato tree (see photo above).  Many birders and photographers have visited to catch a glimpse of this rarity, and most have been rewarded.   She is most often seen along the visitor center trails or by the refuge office. 


Become a Friends' Advocate
"Friends" of the refuge receive this newsletter.  In addition to the benefits of becoming a Friend, an "Advocate" demonstrates a commitment to the mission of the Friends organization with a $35.00 annual membership fee.

Advocates receive a $10 annual refuge pass for a carload of your family or friends to Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana NWR.

Advocates are eligible to vote in board elections and run for a position on the board of directors.

Consider joining us and become an Advocate. 100% of your membership fee supports wildlife conservation. Click here for more info.


Summer Hours for Visitor Center and Friends' Nature Store 

From May - September, the visitor center and nature store will be CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  We'll remain open from 8 - 4 on Thursday through Monday, including holidays.  The refuge is open to visitors every day and there is a self-pay station in front of the visitor center doors.


Bayside Loop Construction 

Reminder that Bayside Loop will be closing June 1 for construction that will make the road safer for ocelots and allow some opportunities for visitor vehicles.  There are many miles of gravel and dirt trails at the refuge that will remain open to biking and hiking.  

Refuge Tours Suspended Until Fall

Due to the construction on Bayside Loop and FM106, the refuge will not be offering Kayak Tours this summer.  Habitat Tours should resume in November. The refuge remains open for self-guided activities such as hiking, biking and photography.

RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge

Get outside and enjoy the outdoors with the Family Summer Adventure Challenge.  Families with children ages 6-12 visit different nature centers, parks and refuges of the Rio Grande Valley to complete fun challenges in nature. From riding a bike, to photographing birds, there are challenges for everyone's interests and abilities.  Once you complete the challenges and submit your journal, your family name will be placed in a drawing for the opportunity to win cool prizes.  Pick up your copy of the Family Summer Adventure Challenge Journal at our kick-off May 28 from 9 - 12.  Journals will also be available throughout the summer during operating hours, and at participating nature sites.   
  • May 28, 9-12 Kick-off Event - Come get your Journal and get started on your challenges.  Several kids' activities will be available. Bring your camera and bikes if you have them.
  • August 27, 4 pm Challenge Deadline.




SMILE! The Friends of Laguna Atascosa are on AmazonSmile

Select them as your non-profit 
organization
 and every time you shop Amazon will donate 0.5% of   your  purchase price to The Friends of Laguna Atascosa- at no cost to you! 
Bookmark  www.smile.amazon.com   and  start helping ocelots today! 

Events & Announcements
At the Refuge
 
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
22688 Buena Vista Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-748-3607  ext 108  or 956-244-2019                            www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa
Refuge open daily sunrise - sunset

Visitor Center & Friends Nature Store 
Open 8 am - 4 pm
Thurs. - Monday (May - Sept.)
Daily (October - April)
 
Fee Free Sunday!
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Enjoy the refuge trails free of charge all day on the first Sunday of every month. Please check in at the Visitor Center to get a required vehicle pass.

black bellied whistling ducks Nicole Young



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access for all participants.  Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Marion Mason, marion_mason@fws.gov], TTY   800-877-8339 with your request by 4 pm 2 weeks before the event.

In This Issue:

 
~ Rare Bird Continues
 
~  Friends' Advocate
 
~  Summer Hours
 
~  Bayside Loop Update
 
~  Tours Suspended Until Fall  

~  RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge
 
~ AmazonSmile
 
 

 


Save Texas Ocelots

The last remaining ocelots  in the  Unites States are found only in Texas. You can help save these beautiful endangered cats and help spread the word about protecting Texas Ocelots by buying this specialty license plate for your vehicle for only $30.00 additional. The non-profit organization, Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge .org, will receive $22 from the sale of every Save Texas Ocelots license plate, 100% of which will go to Ocelot Conservation. Plates can be purchased at any time and fees will be prorated. We thank YOU for helping keep ocelots thriving as part of our Great Texas Natural Heritage.  To learn more go to  www.savetexasocelots.org
or to order yours now  click here.
 




Adopt an Ocelot

To learn more about the Adopt-an-Ocelot Program  click here!




Your donations help an oce-LOT!

The ocelot conservation program at Laguna Atascosa relies heavily on funds from generous donors. Here's a glimpse into what your donations could help fund : 

A donation of $250 is enough to fund a radio (VHF) collar.

A donation of $600 is enough to fund a trail camera.

A donation of $2,500 is enough to fund a GPS collar.

To help conserve ocelots by making a donation, visit the  donation page .