Nature Preserves Surround East St. Tammany Parish

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 200,000 acres of protected wildlife refuges near New Orleans

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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East St. Tammany Parish is home to some of the largest nature preserves outside of Alaska, with over 200,000 acres of National and State Wildlife Refuges that are permanently protected from development. This three-part series explores the natural wonders of the region, including the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

Why it matters

Despite the growth and development in the region, East St. Tammany Parish remains surrounded by vast natural areas that offer residents and visitors alike opportunities to experience the beauty and biodiversity of coastal Louisiana. These protected lands provide critical habitats for wildlife and give the community access to outdoor recreation and respite from urban life.

The details

The article highlights several major wildlife refuges in the region, including the 20,000-acre Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge and the 27,000-acre Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, which is the only refuge located entirely within a city limits (New Orleans). These refuges are home to a variety of ecosystems, from cypress-tupelo swamps to brackish marshes, and provide habitats for birds, deer, pigs, and marine life. The refuges can be accessed by boat, kayak, and hiking, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.

  • The Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge was established in Lacombe, Louisiana.
  • The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 within the city limits of New Orleans.

The players

Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge

A 20,000-acre refuge headquartered in Lacombe, Louisiana that stretches from Mandeville to Fritchie Marsh and includes various bayous and marshes.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

A 27,000-acre refuge located entirely within the city limits of New Orleans, established in 1990 as the result of the efforts of wildlife agent Steven Joiner.

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What they’re saying

“Every kid should experience wild nature, feel the freedom it offers, the danger it possesses, and the God-given beauty it delivers.”

— Stanford A. Owen, Author (slidell-independent.com)

“It can set the direction of their life by seeing the real world, as it evolved, up close and personal.”

— Stanford A. Owen, Author (slidell-independent.com)

What’s next

Next week's article will explore the Biloxi Marsh State Wildlife Refuge, Chandeleur Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

The takeaway

Despite the growth and development in East St. Tammany Parish, the region remains surrounded by a vast network of protected natural areas that offer residents and visitors unique opportunities to experience the beauty and biodiversity of coastal Louisiana. These refuges provide critical habitats for wildlife and give the community access to outdoor recreation and respite from urban life.