Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Delta National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, covering wide marshlands with different habitat types. The landscape consists of flat, waterlogged zones where freshwater and saltwater mix to support diverse plant and animal life.

The area took shape in 1862 when a levee breach at the Mississippi created large water surfaces, and it became an official refuge in 1935. This establishment was an early effort to protect wetlands and their wild inhabitants.

The refuge holds deep meaning for local hunters and conservationists who work to protect migratory birds throughout the year. Visitors can see how communities depend on these waters for both their traditions and their commitment to wildlife preservation.

The refuge can only be reached by boat from Venice, Louisiana, traveling through Mississippi River waterways. Visitors should prepare for time on the water and be ready for the changing conditions of the wetland environment.

The refuge serves as a nursery for marine creatures and supports more than 400 bird species that thrive in its rich delta waters. This makes it a crucial place where fish, crustaceans, and shore birds raise their young in these protected waters.

Location: Louisiana

Inception: 1935

Website: https://fws.gov/delta

GPS coordinates: 29.25000,-89.20000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53