We're celebrating all year long...Laguna Atascosa turns 75! Wow, check it out: Video on the Red Head Duck!

January 2021

In celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, the Friends of Laguna Atascosa are pleased to announce a partnership with Richard Moore, Valley Nature Films, who will be producing a series of stories featuring the refuge throughout the year. We will be showcasing these stories on our website (scroll down for a cool video) and Facebook page. Keep reading for the first video in the series.

Creature Feature:

Red Head Duck

Laguna Atascosa has many wonderful rare and endangered species, but did you know that a driving force behind the creation of LANWR was the Red Head Duck?

Click on the arrow to see the first in a series of videos featuring our wonderful wildlife, part of our year-long celebration!

Fun fact: Females have been known to lay their eggs in nests of other ducks (like Canvasback and Ruddy Duck) and even in the nests of the Northern Harrier!

Learn more about the Red Head Duck here.

Video credit: Richard Moore, Valley Nature Films

Photo Credit: Steve Sinclair

Thank you for your continued support of Laguna Atascosa NWR and the Friends of Laguna Atascosa. Your donations, Ocelot adoptions, Advocate Memberships, and online store purchases have made it possible for us to support the Refuge in many ways in spite of the challenges of this past year.

Read or download our 2020 Report to learn more about how your support has made a difference in 2020. And, thank you!

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.

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.

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

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.

Check out the Nature Store @ Laguna Atascosa! We have ideas for year-round gift giving!
Items at the online store include a selection of LANWR items, such as t-shirts, caps, pins, including our newly designed Ocelot, Aplomado Falcon and Green Jay Pins and more.
An annual Advocate Membership to the Friends of Laguna Atascosa makes a great gift.
Adopt-an-Ocelot benefits the Ocelot program. There are 4 levels, each including Ocelot-rated gifts.
Honor someone with a donation in their name to support the Ocelot Program, Bahia Grande Viewing Platform, or Land Acquisition Legacy Program.
Help the Friends by buying needed items on our Amazon Charity Gift List and/or naming us as your donation choice on Amazon Smile.

Other items, not listed in the online store, such as field guides and books, are also available for purchase. If you have a special request or need more information, please email us at friendsoflagunaatascosa@gmail.com.

Go Shopping

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