Winter Walks and Talks Series

We're very excited to invite you all to participate in our Winter Walks and Talks series! Here is our updated schedule for the end of January and February! We have a great line up of topics and events lead by our amazing volunteers and interns. Take a look at our schedule and give us a call to reserve your spot today! Check back regularly for any updates and our March events as well!

Schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 24th – 10:00 am- Ask a Naturalist- Pine Beach Trail Parking Lot (NO Reservation Needed)

Friday, Jan. 26th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail

Tuesday, Jan. 30th – 12:00 pm- Ecological Significance of Little Lagoon- Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department

Friday, Feb. 2nd – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail

Monday, Feb. 5th – 2:00 pm- I SPY- Pine Beach Trail Observation Tower (NO Reservation Needed)

Wednesday, Feb 7th – 12:00 pm- Sea Turtle Walk and Talk- Jeff Friend Trail

Friday, Feb. 9th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail

Friday, Feb. 9th – 10:00 am- Guided Nature Hike- Gator Lake Trail

Saturday, Feb. 10th – 1:00 pm- Dune and Beach Ecology Walk- Burgoyne Road (No Name Road)

Monday, Feb. 12th – 10:00 am- Guided Nature Hike- Jeff Friend Trail

Thursday, Feb. 15th – 10:00 am- Ask a Naturalist- Jeff Friend Trail Parking Lot (NO Reservation Needed)

Friday, Feb. 16th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail

Monday, Feb. 19th – 10:00 am- Guided Nature Hike- Gator Lake Trail

Tuesday, Feb. 20th – 1:00 pm Dune and Beach Ecology Walk- Burgoyne Road (No Name Road)

Thursday, Feb. 22nd – 10:00 am- I SPY- Pine Beach Trail Observation Tower (NO Reservation Needed)

Friday, Feb. 23rd – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail

Sunday, Feb. 25th – 1:00 pm- Dune and Beach Ecology Walk- Burgoyne Road (No Name Road)

Monday, Feb. 26th – 2:00 pm- Ask a Naturalist- Pine Beach Trail Parking Lot (NO Reservation Needed)

Wednesday, Feb. 28th – 10:00 am- Guided Nature Hike- Jeff Friend Trail

For further information or to sign-up for a tour, please contact the Refuge Walks and Talks number, at (251) 269-7307 and leave a message with your name, number, and the size of your party. We will call back to confirm reservation.

*No reservation needed

Additional information about the refuge can be found at our website http://www.fws.gov/bonsecour or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BonSecourNWR.

Note: Some of the walks will be occurring while the office is closed.

Please come prepared.

*In case of rain walks will be cancelled or postponed*

Topics:

Winter Walks

Guided Nature Walk

Curious about the local plants? What this habitat is? Or what animal left this track? Well, that is what you will find, and more on this diverse walk. This walk will take place on the Jeff Friend Trail and Gator Lake Trail. Each walk will last about 1 hour.

Bird Walk

Beginner and experienced bird watchers of all ages are welcome to come out and enjoy the beauty of birds and nature itself. Walks will take place from the Jeff Friend Trail on Fridays. Binoculars are encouraged but they are not necessary to enjoy the walk. Jeff Friend Trail is a 1-mile loop.

Dune and Beach Ecology Walk

Marine ecosystems are fascinating, dynamic, and sensitive to impacts from thousands of miles away. Come learn about the different marine habitats, the dunes, and the creatures that live there and their complex interactions. The guided walk will meet at the Burgoyne Road parking lot.

Sea Turtle Walk and Talk

Join us to learn about the different sea turtle species in Alabama! If you’ve ever had questions about their ecology, life cycle, or what we do here in Alabama to protect them join us at the Jeff Friend Trail.

The guided walks are free to the public; however, space is limited to 12 people per walk. Therefore, a reservation is required. The walks last between 1-2 hours and will meet at the designated trailhead. We request at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Please be aware, there are no restroom facilities available on the trails (other than Pine Beach which has a pit toilet ~1 mile from the start of the trail).

Winter Talks

I SPY

Meet one of our naturalists at the Pine Beach Trail observation tower to see what birds, insects, reptiles, and flora we can see. Bring binoculars if you have them but we will have a few extra to share. NO RESERVATION REQUIRED

Ask a Naturalist

Join us at one of our trailheads and ask one of our naturalists any questions you may have about the native habitats, flora, and fauna here on our refuge. NO RESERVATION REQUIRED

The Ecological Significance of Little Lagoon

Learn about ecological role of Little Lagoon and the challenges it faces. Find out what Little Lagoon Preservation Society does and how they work to preserve the lagoon. This is an indoor talk at the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Station.

The Ecological Significance of Little Lagoon will be held at Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Station #1 located next to Shell Banks Baptist Church at 12105 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

Attendees are asked to park their vehicles on the helicopter pad adjacent to the fire station.

These talks are free to the public but are limited to 24 people. Reservations are required.

For further information or to sign-up for a tour, please contact the Refuge Office,

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at (251) 269-7307.

Additional information about the refuge can be found at our website http://www.fws.gov/bonsecour or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BonSecourNWR.