Friends of Cat Island

09/30/2026

The 2026-2027 brochures are in. The box at the refuge entrance has been filled. Please note that each brochure now has two permits on the front instead of one so hopefully the box will not be emptied as quickly. As always READ the rules and regulations since some activities allowed on private lands are not permitted on the refuge. HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!

09/25/2026

Due to Presidential Trump’s recent remarks concerning lead shot we have received lots of questions. At this time lead shot is still PROHIBITED on Cat Island. In addition the only legal access to the refuge is through the front gate. No access from private property is permitted. For the official language please refer to page 7 of the brochure.

08/30/2026

The fishermen were out early Saturday morning.

08/29/2026

We achieved another big step in our Blackfork trail project thanks to Trey Crawford and Grady Crawford Construction. The first picture shows all the limestone that he and his crew moved for us. We got a start on putting down the base for the hiking trail. We still have a ways to go but you have to start before you can finish!

08/23/2026

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers that worked in the brutal heat and humidity of a Louisiana swamp. The fine young men of Troop 61 turned out in force today with enough manpower to not only sweep Blackfork trail in prep for limestone but also perform cleanup around the champion tree. FOCI volunteers powered through the heat to complete the foot bridge in Blackfork. Their work is superb. More updates to come!

08/21/2026

We have begun construction on the new foot bridge at the beginning of Black Fork trail. We will be laying large limestone on the trail for a base and eventually cap with smaller stone for a smoother walking surface. This is an extensive project and will take time so please exercise caution in this area. I will be posting updates as we move forward.

03/25/2026

03/21/2026

02/07/2026

It was a beautiful day to plant trees on the refuge. We had a great group of volunteers that planted 100 trees, mostly Bald Cypress.

12/07/2025

The Friends of Cat Island had a busy weekend!
On Friday, several Friends volunteers joined students at West Feliciana Middle School alongside Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Sea Grant, LSU Ag Center Youth Wetlands and 4-H for a day full of hands-on learning. The Friends group shared about the geology, wildlife and vegetation on the refuge with more than 175 7th grade students.
Then on Saturday, 10 teachers from across the state participating in the Water Connects Us All project with Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU, joined Friends members and US Fish and Wildlife personnel out at the refuge to plant 65 bald cypress saplings.
As a supporting partner of the NOAA sponsored Water Connects Us All project, we were glad to welcome these teachers out to the refuge and grateful for the extra hands helping preserve the special place. Thank you to everyone who came out to learn, plant, and give back to Cat Island – we appreciate your support!