Happy Ocelot Festival 2021! |
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Take a moment to view a video message about the Festival from Laguna Atascosa Ranger Chris Quezada and Friends President Nicole Ekstrom. |
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It's that time of year again and the Friends of Laguna Atascosa and USFWS are pleased to bring you the 2021 Virtual Ocelot Festival.
Due to the current pandemic our traditional event will not be available but thanks to the innovations of technology, our program can continue in the comfort of your home as we deliver virtual activities, presentations, and other exciting events right on your mobile devices.
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This year, the Ocelot Fun Run is going virtual! Join us in raising funds to support ocelot conservation in Texas. You can walk, run, walk, hike, wheel, or prowl your 5k or 1 Mile on any day in March from wherever you want in the world! Be sure to upload your time, photos, and location on your Facebook or Instagram page and be sure to use the hashtags #savetexasocelots #ocelotfestival. You can register for this event throughout the month of March.
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Ocelot Fun Run and Festival Store |
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We have a variety of t-shirts and other great merchandise with the special 2021 Ocelot Fun Run and Ocelot Festival logos (designed by former intern, Karen Ceballos). Everyone loves unique (limited edition) t-shirts. There are lots of styles, colors and sizes available, including kids and babies. Select from: stickers, dog bandanas, water bottles, masks and more. All proceeds will benefit the Ocelot Program at Laguna Atascosa NWR.
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Online Festival Programs
March 5 - 7, 2021
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The 2021 Festival features many great, pre-recorded programs, and most may be viewed any time between March 5 and 31. |
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Programs will be visible
starting March 5th.
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Every effort has been made to provide the variety of educational and entertaining activities comparable to the Ocelot Conservation Day events we have held since 2004. We hope you enjoy the virtual festival! |
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Just a few of the Programs
Conservation Challenges with Hilary Swarts, Ocelot Biologist at Laguna Atascosa
Meet Sihil the Ocelot with Coleen & Alicia, Cincinnati Zoo
Lancelot the Ocelot Book Reading with J. David Book, Author and Volunteer
How Zoos are Helping to Conserve the Wild Texas Ocelot with Bill Swanson, Cincinnati Zoo
Ocelot Reintroduction and Expansion with Mitch Sternberg, Zone Biologist, USFWS
Ocelot Face Painting with Wanda Baird, Volunteer
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The Friends annual fundraising auction this year is going virtual! Thanks to our generous donors, we have over 60 items, including local artwork, outdoor experiences, handmade jewelry, and accessories. Just a few of the items are shown below. The online auction will run from March 5th to March 21st. To view these items and help raise money for ocelot conservation, go to: Online Auction
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Green Island Tour (for 4) with Richard Moore |
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Mural Study for the Five Directions by Mark Clark |
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Ocelot Portrait
by Wendy Hauschildt
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Original Painting by Sihil
Ocelot at Cincinnati Zoo
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Treasures of the Refuge
by Dr. Jim Burkholder
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Dolphin Watch Boat Tour
(for 4 for 1/2 day)
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Guided tandem kayak trip (for 2) with South Texas Paddlers |
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White Pelican (watercolor) by Laurel Alvarez |
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Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge:
A Place Like No Other
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Order yours now! $30 plus tax/shipping.
Add the DVD, Laguna Atascosa: A South Texas Treasure for $5 more.
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The Friends of Laguna Atascosa are proud to announce the publication of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: A Place Like No Other.
Historian, educator and LANWR volunteer J. David Book sifted through thousands of documents and pictures and recorded hundreds of hours of interviews to create a comprehensive and entertaining history of our favorite refuge. Over 220 pages, with color photographs, the book includes interesting facts, humor and first-hand reports by staff and visitors.
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Our special feature for March is the Ocelot!
Click on the picture below to see the video, Rare Ocelot Status.
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Learn more about Ocelots during our 2021 Virtual Ocelot Festival March 5-7. |
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The third in a series of videos featuring our diverse plant and animal wildlife, part of the year-long celebration of Laguna Atascosa's first 75 years. This month Richard and ocelot biologist, Hilary Swarts, update us on the status of the ocelot population at the refuge. And it's good news!
Fun fact: The pattern on the Ocelots coat is unique, much like our fingerprints, making it much easier to identify cats!
Video credit: Richard Moore, Valley Nature Films, LLC
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Help Friends Support Laguna Atascosa!
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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.
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Click on the above to shop our AmazonSmile Charity List. Thank you! |
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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.
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Shop Online @ The Nature Store at Laguna Atascosa |
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Ocelot Conservation Festival Special!
10% off ALL Ocelot merchandise purchased March 5-7, 2021. Use code Ocelot2110.
Only applies to items purchased from our Nature Store (does NOT apply to Fun Run & Festival Store).
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The Nature Store @ 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.
The online store includes a selection of LANWR items, such as t-shirts, caps, pins, including our newly designed Ocelot, Aplomado Falcon and Green Jay Pins and more. Other items, not listed in the online store, such as field guides and books, are also available, just send an email.
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Lancelot the Ocelot Book and Plush Toys |
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Ocelot T-shirts for
kids and adults
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Laguna Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge
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22688 Buena Vista Rd.
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-244-2019
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Refuge remains open daily,
sunrise-sunset
Visitor's Center is closed
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