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Rare Bird Continues at Laguna Atascosa NWR
A female crimson-collared grosbeak, a bird species endemic to NE Mexico, has been seen at the refuge since the end of January. Her preferred food is the fruits of the potato tree (see photo above). Many birders and photographers have visited to catch a glimpse of this rarity, and most have been rewarded. She is most often seen along the visitor center trails.
Friends' Nature Store Seeking Volunteers
The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge operates the Nature Store to raise funds to fulfill the organization's mission. All profits go to support wildlife conservation efforts at the refuge. Long time manager,Paul Cardile, recently retired, and Jolaine Lanehart, a Texas Master Naturalist has taken the part-time store manager position. However, the store is open 7 days a week from October through April and 5 days a week May - September and volunteers are needed to assist with store operations. For more information, contact Jolaine at 956-832-3905.
Bayside Loop Construction Delayed
The construction that will make the road safer for ocelots and allow some opportunities for visitor vehicles, will begin June 1. The refuge has decided to keep it open for walking and biking until May 31.
Youth Conservation Corp Recruitment
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the summer of 2016. This program will employ four area youth to work full-time for 8 weeks. The YCC is a federally funded work-learn-earn program aimed at developing an appreciation and understanding of the Nation's environmental and natural heritage. The YCC has introduced young Americans to conservation opportunities on public lands since the program was created in 1970.
Participants must be at least 15 years old and cannot reach 19 during the term of employment. They must be a permanent resident of the United States and have a social security card prior to the first day of work. Projects will include facility maintenance, habitat improvement and other biological and outdoor work. The work schedule will be June 13 through August 5, Monday- Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected youth must be available for the entire work period; time off is not available for camps, vacations, etc. The salary is the federal minimum wage $7.25 per hour. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to and from the refuge daily. The refuge is located about 18 miles east of Rio Hondo, TX , and 17 miles north of Port Isabel, off FM106.
To apply, submit a YCC application by 4 pm April 23:
* Mail to: Marion Mason, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22817 Ocelot Rd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
* Or drop off in person at the refuge Visitor Center, 22688 Buena Vista Rd, Los Fresnos, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Participants will be randomly selected on May 2, 2016. Because of the large number of applications we receive, unsuccessful applicants will not be notified and can assume that they were not selected.
For additional information and to request an application, please contact Marion Mason at 956-748-3607 ext 108 or email [email protected].
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SMILE! The Friends of Laguna Atascosa are on AmazonSmile
Select them as your non-profit
organization
and every time you shop Amazon will donate 0.5% of
your
purchase price to The Friends of Laguna Atascosa- at no cost to you!
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April
Programs at the Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
22688 Buena Vista Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
Refuge open daily sunrise - sunset
Visitor Center & Friends Nature Store
Open 8 am - 4 pm
Thurs. - Monday (May - Sept.)
Daily (October - April)
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Enjoy the refuge trails free of charge all day on the first Sunday of every month. Please check in at the Visitor Center to get a required vehicle pass.
Habitat Tours on Bayside Drive
1 - 4 Saturdays and Sundays only
Enjoy a guided tour in our climate controlled bus through the habitats of the refuge including thornscrub forest, coastal prairie and the Laguna Madre. Discover the history of the refuge - both natural and cultural, see how lands are being managed for wildlife, and view the special wildlife that call deep south Texas home. Binoculars recommended. There will be 2-3 stops with short, optional walks. Tickets CASH or CHECK ONLY $4 for adults (16+), $3 seniors (62+), under 16 free. Call 956-748-3607 or 956-244-2019 to make a reservation.
Bird Tours
8:30 - 12 Fridays through April
Take our bus to birding hot spots around the lake. This tour will offer many opportunities to see waterbirds and raptors. Reservations required, call 956-748-3607 or 956-244-2019. $4 for adults (16+), $3 seniors (62+), under 16 free.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Marion Mason, [email protected]], TTY 800-877-8339 with your request by 4 pm 2 weeks before the event.
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~ Rare Bird
~ Nature Store Seeks Volunteers
~ Bayside Loop Update
~ YCC Recruitment
~ AmazonSmile
~ Refuge tour schedule and information
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The last remaining ocelots
in the
Unites 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. The non-profit organization, Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge .org, will receive $22 from the sale of every Save Texas Ocelots license plate, 100% of which will go to Ocelot Conservation. Plates can be purchased at any time and fees will be prorated. We thank YOU for helping keep ocelots thriving as part of our Great Texas Natural Heritage. To learn more go to
www.savetexasocelots.org
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Stay Connected
by following
"Viva the Ocelot!"
on Facebook!
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Adopt an Ocelot
To learn more about the Adopt-an-Ocelot Program
click here!
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Your donations help an oce-LOT!
The ocelot conservation program at Laguna Atascosa relies heavily on funds from generous donors. Here's a glimpse into what your donations could help fund
:
A donation of $250 is enough to fund a radio (VHF) collar.
A donation of $600 is enough to fund a trail camera.
A donation of $2,500 is enough to fund a GPS collar.
To help conserve ocelots by making a donation, visit the
donation page
.
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