Looking for unusual, nature-related gifts for friends and family (or yourself)? Check out the Nature Store @ Laguna Atascosa! We have ideas for everyone on your list:
- Give the gift of an annual Advocate Membership to the Friends of Laguna Atascosa.
-
Adopt-an-Ocelot is another great gift that benefits the Ocelot program. There are 4 levels, each including Ocelot-rated gifts.
- Go to our online store, where you will find
- Mystery Boxes and Gift Sets (starting November 27th)
- A selection of LANWR items, such as t-shirts, caps, pins, and more, including our newly designed Ocelot, Aplomado Falcon and Green Jay Pins (see pictures at end of newsletter).
- Honor someone special 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, are also available for purchase, such as field guides and books. If you have a special request or need more information, please email us at friendsoflagunaatascosa@gmail.com.
Ordering deadline for mailing in time for December 24th is December 14th.
Curbside pickup at the refuge will be available on December 5th and 6th, 1 pm to 3 pm. Other dates by appointment.
|
|
Unlike other Mystery Boxes these contain all new merchandise from our store. Several types of Mystery Boxes are available for adults and kids. All have a retail value above their cost ($25 to $100). No discounts. |
|
YES! We are having a Black Friday Sale on November 27, 28, 29 and 30. Use the coupon code (hidden in this newsletter) for 15% off purchases, when you check out at the online store on these dates (note: discount does not apply to Mystery Boxes, donations, Advocate memberships or Ocelot Adoptions).
|
|
|
New Ocelot Intern: Gaby Chio |
|
Gaby Chio received her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire in 2018. While attending UNH, she was a research assistant for a behavioral ecology laboratory studying beetle behavior for about three years. After graduating, she worked jobs in outdoor and environmental education, animal care, and ecological field research. Her long-term goal is to be an Ecologist, participating in scientific research that can be applicable to solving current environmental issues. Currently, she is interested in obtaining more field experience working with endangered species, so she is super excited to be working for the LANWR Ocelot Program!
Picture: Alta Peak, Sequoia National Park
|
|
Creature Feature: Plain Chachalaca |
|
This is a loud, large species found in the Rio Grande Valley and Central America. Often times, you can find these birds around the Visitor Center in the bushes and trees at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Their young can easily maneuver in trees after hatching. One fun fact is that they often call when a storm is approaching or when there is a change in the weather.
Picture Credit: Christopher Quezada
|
|
Giving Tuesday: Friends Film Night |
|
Join us on December 5th for the Friends Film Night! First, there will be a Q&A with Richard Moore live on the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge's Facebook Page (6-7 CST) and then the link of the movie Laguna Atascosa, A South Texas Treasurer will be shared free after. This event is part of Giving Tuesday, donate here. |
|
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
|
|
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.
|
NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Should you wish to mail a donation, please
use our new, secure post office box:
Friends of Laguna Atascosa NWR
P.O. Box 13519
Port Isabel, TX 78578
|
|
Click on the above to shop our AmazonSmile Charity List. Thank you! |
|
From All of Us to All of You: We want to take a moment to thank you for your support and to wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday. |
|
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. Coupon code: 15Ocelot15
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
