Introducing
Brandon Jones
New LANWR Manager
Brandon has been with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 2005. Prior to becoming Refuge Manager, he held the position as Hunting and Fishing Chief for the Great Lakes Region in the Upper Midwest and Project Leader for Upper Mississippi NWR - McGregor District. He has served in numerous roles throughout the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managing eight different refuges in 4 different regions across the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, and Great Plains. Most of Brandon's career has been spent working with federal, state, and local partners restoring and conserving various habitats throughout the United States. Laguna Atascosa NWR was of great interest to him because of its importance to wintering waterfowl, especially Redheads where 80% of the continental population winter on the refuge.
Brandon's top 3 priorities for Laguna Atascosa NWR are:
- Restoring wetlands for waterfowl management.
- Restoring thorn scrub habitat.
- Securing funds to build new facilities and infrastructure.
When not working (which is rare), Brandon loves to hunt, fish, and play golf.
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Special Feature: Alligators of the Valley |
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Video credit: Richard Moore, Valley Nature Films, LLC |
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The fifth in our series celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Laguna Atascosa takes us up close and personal with alligators. These reptiles equally fascinate and frighten us. Gators can be found at the refuge as well as all along the Texas Coast. Learn more about them in the video.
Also, check out these resources:
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If you would like to see more videos, head over to our website and check out the Gallery.
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Ocelots are...Everywhere? |
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Of course not! But fans of ocelots can be found all over the world. This popular cat CAN be found at Laguna Atascosa in the wild and, if you are really lucky, you might see one. Otherwise, the best chance to see one is at a zoo or wildlife center. In this feature, we want to explore all the places you might find an ocelot or, at least, fans of ocelots.
If your organization or zoo wants to be featured in a future newsletter, just send us an email (sorry, no businesses).
Our second ocelot sighting is just down the road in San Benito, TX. The Friends of Laguna Atascosa has sponsored the Ocelots, a youth baseball team with a cause for a few years. Coach Tony and his team have enthusiastically made it their mission to educate others about the ocelot and to share information about this endangered species as well as Laguna Atascosa. We hope to see them back in action post-pandemic.
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Photos from Opening Day 2019 |
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Bonus Download:
Bordercats
Felinos de la Frontera
Our friends over at Defenders of Wildlife have developed this awesome activity book about the cats along the southern border of Texas.
Download your free copy today! Just click on the button or the book.
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Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge:
A Place Like No Other
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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.
Order yours now! $30 plus tax/shipping.
Add the DVD, Laguna Atascosa: A South Texas Treasure for $5 more.
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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 restoration, conservation, 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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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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Laguna Atascosa Wicking T
long & short sleeves
unisex, ladies, & kids
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Send us a picture of you wearing your Laguna swag! We just might feature you in our newsletter or on the store website! All photos become property of FLANWR.
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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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