Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Lacombe, Louisiana.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1994, is located along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain between the towns of Mandeville and Slidell, in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This refuge is the indigenous homeland of the Acolopissa and Choctaw people, whose descendants are present in the region today. Refuge habitats include lake shoreline, freshwater and intermediate marsh; bald cypress-tupelo forest; bayous; hardwood forest hammocks; and long-leaf pine savannah. These habitats support freshwater and marine fish, shorebirds, wading birds, seventeen species of wintering migratory waterfowl, neotropical songbird migrants and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Things to Do at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Recreation Activities
Popular activities at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge include:
Nearby Activities
- Birding
- Boating
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Paddling
- Photography
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Plan Your Visit
Getting There
The refuge headquarters and visitor center are located in Lacombe, Louisiana, between Mandeville and Slidell. The center is situated at 61389 Highway 434 two miles south of I-12 (Exit 74) and just north of the intersection of Highways 434 and 190. Look for the Big Branch Marsh Refuge sign.
GPS Coordinates: 30.32148590000000, -89.93804000000000
Contact & Resources
Phone: 985-882-2000
Additional Information:
