Breton National Wildlife Refuge

Breton National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area consisting of barrier islands within the Gulf of Mexico that create sheltered zones for marine life and migratory birds. The islands feature sandy lowlands and shallow waters spread across a significant portion of the gulf.

The refuge was established in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt, making it the second oldest national wildlife refuge in the United States. Its creation represented an early effort to protect the Gulf coast and its wildlife from human exploitation.

The refuge provides critical nesting spots for brown pelicans, royal terns, and other seabirds that use the islands as stopover points during seasonal migration. Visitors can observe how these birds depend on the sand banks and shallow waters for survival and reproduction.

Visitors need a boat to reach the islands, as there are no bridges or road access to this location. Plan visits during calmer months when water conditions are safer and visibility is better for observing wildlife.

The Chandeleur Islands form a natural barrier stretching for many kilometers that protects Louisiana's mainland from ocean storms and waves. This chain constantly shifts from erosion, making it a continuously changing environment that adapts to natural forces.