Conservation & Restoration![]() | Refuge Advocacy | Volunteers at Work![]() | Dollars at Work![]() |
Education and Outreach Programs
Friends assists the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge with multiple education and outreach programs. In 2024, Friends hosted over 70 events that reached an estimated 14,000 individuals. Our most popular event is the annual Ocelot Conservation Day. This year (2025), will mark the 28th year of this annual event. This event, now held at the Gladys Porter Zoo, reaches thousands of people and teaches them about endangered ocelots through scientific presentations by ocelot conservation biologists, booths with organizations that promote conservation in the Rio Grande Valley, and ocelot-themed activities.
Land Acquisition |
Friends began assisting the Refuge with land acquisition in 2018. Since then, we have acquired nearly 320 acres of land that has been or will be transferred to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The picture below is the Friends' most recent acquisition; a 232-acre tract that contains a 135.33-acre saline lake. Friends is working with partners to restore this lake so that water is retained, which will create a better habitat for shorebirds and migratory waterfowl.
FUTURE GOALS
Ongoing Commitments of the Friends Using Self-Generated Funds
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