Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is a 24,000-acre wetland located within New Orleans city limits. It contains freshwater lagoons, brackish marshes, bottomland hardwood forests, and natural bayous connected by waterways.

The refuge was established in 1990 to prevent a large residential development project that had already created three Interstate 10 interchanges. Only one of those interchanges remains in use today, a remnant of the abandoned plans.

The name comes from the Bayou Sauvage waterway, which once served as a main route for travelers moving through the region. Today, visitors can experience how local people have always lived in connection with these wetlands and their natural rhythms.

You can walk designated trails and boardwalks to explore the refuge at your own pace and observe wildlife. Educational programs are offered throughout the year if you want to learn more about the area from a guide.

The refuge is home to more than 340 bird species and acts as a natural barrier against hurricane storm surge. This ecological function protects eastern New Orleans by providing a living buffer of vegetation and water.

Location: New Orleans

Location: Orleans Parish

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Address: 17160 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA

Phone: +19858822000

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban

GPS coordinates: 30.08223,-89.85286

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:47