Gardening with a Purpose

GARDENING WITH A PURPOSE at the RED RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Zac Burson supporting youth working in the pollinator garden.

A visit to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge located on the Arthur Teague Parkway in Bossier City is categorized as an urban refuge. Here, visitors could be introduced to the Refuge’s natural beauty as well as the walking and biking trails, fishing, paddling and exhibits located in the Visitors Center. Intrepretive displays explain native plants and their interaction with wildlife and how this interaction can restore ecosystems and reduce habitat fragmentation.

The grounds surrounding the Visitors Center are an example of a habitat restoration project designed to showcase native plants. The Friends of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Restoration Committee is responsible for this project. The Visitors’ Center foundation landscape is a display put in place 12 years ago and includes over 100 Louisiana native plants. An orchard display was planted featuring native fruit or seed-bearing trees intended to attract birds and other wildlife. A native plant pollinator garden designed to entice bees, butterflies and other pollinators has been in place for about 10 years. Establishment of native trees includes plantings in the public spaces surrounding the Visitor Center as well as the walking trails and public boat launch area. The restoration also includes the addition of two wildflower meadows near the refuge entrance for the purpose of attracting butterflies.

One of the many building projects at the refuge.

One of the primary goals of the Friends’ Habitat Restoration Committee is to use the Refuge’s native plantings in various settings. Visitors, homeowners and gardeners would have an example of ways to use the native plants on their property. However, we have heard a concern from Caddo Bossier community visitors that they don’t know enough about plants or ecology to transform their traditional landscapes into living landscapes which attract birds, insects and butterflies. The Friends “Plant with a Purpose” initiative encourages home and community gardeners to learn about native plants for our area and the wildlife the plants support.

The Friends’ “Plant with a Purpose Garden Station” program serves as a platform promoting community engagement in environmental education and the benefits of using native plants. The Garden Station will provide a unique outdoor venue for hands on learning about native plants and their interaction with wildlife. The Friends’ Habitat Restoration Committee is led by a certified habitat professional, and one committee member has a Master’s degree in Horticulture. The committee will be responsible for organizing events and volunteer opportunities at the Garden Station. The programing will begin with four seasonal programs designed to inform the community about suitable activities for landscapes each season of the year. Also, Friends’ monthly programs will utilize our educational partners to share their perspectives on native plants appropriate for landscapes in the Caddo Bossier region and other ecosystem topics.

Story Trail

Habitat Restoration Project

Red River National Wildlife Refuge