Saturday Adventure

It’s not often we get to learn about the creation of a major restoration project from the very people responsible for getting it done. But this Saturday, we will!

Kelby Ouchley and his brother Keith Ouchley will teach us about one of their many significant accomplishments: The Mollicy Unit of the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge.

We will meet the Ouchley brothers in the parking lot of the Black Bayou Lake NWR Visitor Center. Please come early, as we plan to depart at 8 a.m. to caravan to the Mollicy Unit. Car pooling from BBLNWR is recommended.

A rally point near the Mollicy Unit will be identified for those coming from the north and northeast. (New info: gravel parking lot of Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop.)

Our tour of the Mollicy Unit will consist primarily of driving from point to point, exiting vehicles to walk about a bit, listen, learn and get our questions answered. Dress to be outdoors and for the possibility of wet and muddy areas.

We will be away from hunting areas, but it is hunting season, thus it would be appropriate to wear hunter orange or other bright colors if you wish.

Please also bring your own water and snacks. We expect to be back to BBLNWR by about noon, although you will be free to stay to explore further if you and your passengers wish. Please also have a face mask handy for those times when we need to be in close proximity, e.g., in vehicles or standing close together.

The Ouchley brothers have had a significant and long-term conservation impact on Louisiana. This state would be much poorer environmentally without their extraordinary careers of saving, restoring, and teaching Louisiana’s natural history. Kelby is a past recipient of Louisiana Master Naturalist Association’s Caroline Dorman Award. Keith recently retired from his position as Director of the Louisiana Nature Conservancy.

Please let me or Charles Paxton know if you are planning to attend this event. We want to be able to assure the Ouchley brothers that we have sufficient interest and participation to warrant their time leading this expedition.