Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges

Welcome to the 526th refuge in the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis of forested wetlands located on the Mississippi River near Saint Francisville, Louisiana.

Refuge History: In 2000, the Nature Conservancy purchased over 9,500 acres of land and Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge was established on October 27. In 2003, using money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the land. Today the refuge is 10,473 acres in size but the Congressionally designated acquisition boundary is over 36,500 acres in size.

Flora and Fauna: Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is the home to numerous plant and animal species. Some of the plants that grow inside the refuge boundaries include sweetgums, water tupelos, green ashes, overcup oaks, nuttall oaks, hackberries, and the National Champion Baldcypress, the largest tree east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Some of the wild critters who call this refuge home include solitary sandpipers, wood ducks, wild turkeys, warblers, woodpeckers, minks bobcats, deer, otters, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts over 4 miles of hiking trails and numerous hunting and fishing opportunities. Come on out and explore.