November 2020
Please consider making a donation, an online store purchase, becoming an Advocate, or adopting an Ocelot. Your donations provide much needed funds so the Friends can continue to support Laguna Atascosa. The closure of the Visitor's Center has meant we have received far less funding for ongoing projects. Thank you!
Partner Spotlight: Gladys Porter Zoo
Partnering with fellow conservation minds amplifies the Refuge message across the Valley. Wildlife refuges, environmental organizations, zoological gardens, nature centers share a common goal: promoting appreciation and protection of the natural kingdom. The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (FLANWR) has developed a strong partnership with the Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ). Via a bridging link in the form of Dr. Tom deMaar, Senior Veterinarian at GPZ and board member of FLANWR, the collaboration has been very productive for over twelve years.
Creature Feature: Coral Snake
The eastern coral snake is a venomous snake that can be found at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Even though they are very venomous nobody in the United States has died from a bite since 1967 since the antivenom was developed. An easy way to tell them apart from similar copy cat species is remembering the rhyme “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack.” Coral snakes have sections of red and yellow right next to each other. Our acting Refuge Manager, Sarge Vasquez recently took this picture on Buena Vista Road! 
Apply to be a 2020/2021 Community Engagement & Partnerships Intern
The Visitor Services Program at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is now recruiting the 2020/2021 Community Engagement and Partnerships Intern.
As a Visitor Services Intern you will find a rewarding opportunity in connecting communities to public lands by establishing connections and continuing partnerships with local and national partners. Applications due November 15th.
More fun sites to check out!
Here is the recording for the rescheduled Beer with a Biologist event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RADLsrmT3LI&t=1s
Check out the Rio Grande Valley Virtual Birding Festival, November 11-13, 2020
The first Conchas y Chachalacas event is on November 8th at 9 am (CT) live on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Facebook Page. It's a bird chat with friends, visitors and partners over the years. It will highlight bird behaviors, birding, locations, and migratory patterns over coffee and pastries.
Hunts now in effect at the refuge!
Please read the two maps below to see trail closures.

Click here to see archery hunt dates and trail closures.
Click here to see firearm hunt dates and trail closures.
Help Friends Support Laguna Atascosa!
Save Texas Ocelots License Plate
The last remaining ocelots in the United 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. Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge receives $22.00 from the sale of every Save Texas Ocelots license plate, 100% of which goes to Ocelot Conservation. Buy Now
Adopt an Ocelot
Ocelots need your help. You can Adopt an Ocelot to help our population of endangered cats survive and thrive in South Texas. Adopt Now
Photo credit: Unknown
Become an Advocate Member

Advocate Membership is one way to support the Refuge. Joining gives you a voice in helping Friends raise awareness and funds for land acquisition, education, outreach and research. Click here for
more information and to join.
Click on the above to shop our AmazonSmile Charity List. Thank you!
Shop Online @ The Nature Store at Laguna Atascosa
The Nature Store at Laguna Atascosa is one source of funds for projects the Friends support at the Refuge. Shopping here keeps your dollars local and you can rest assured that funds are put to good use supporting many projects on this wonderful Refuge.
Many, but not all, of the store items are posted. If you are looking for something in particular, please use the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of the store home page and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
red_black_Friday_sale_tags.jpg
Black Friday is November 27 and our online store will be offering specials on some great gifts for friends,
family or yourself.
Who doesn't love a mystery?
Look for special Mystery Boxes for sale in the online store, starting on Black Friday.
Thank you for selecting us when you shop on Amazon Smile!
We have received over $1,290 from your donations.
Coronavirus Message
  • The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset but the Visitor Center is closed until further notice. All programs are cancelled.
  • Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (formerly Bayside) is closed to all activity. Please remain on designated trails when on the refuge and practice the guidelines in effect for your safety and the safety of others. Remember, cell service is limited in many areas of the refuge.
  • For additional information call 956-244-2019, contact Christopher Quezada at christopher_quezada@fws.gov or read the official statement at savetexasocelots.net
Laguna Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge
22688 Buena Vista Rd.
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-244-2019  
 

Refuge remains open daily,
sunrise-sunset

Visitor's Center is closed

Go to the Refuge Site