A series on adventuring the cities of Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, by @speederson.
Staying home, but vacationing: it’s a rather simple idea. Airports suck, Greyhounds suck, making it not that easy to leave town. We are far too reliant on the personal vehicle, and mine in particular confines me to within city limits. So I ride a bicycle when I can, and vacation in my city. There’s quite a bit to do.
I visited the Red River Wildlife Refuge for the first time this month. It’s a hot spot for photographers, dog walkers, and fishermen. There is a great walking trail that goes around the lake, and you are sure to see an abundance of wildlife. It really is amazing how close this refuge is to the city. A 10 minute drive from Highland and you’re walking with the animals in their natural habitat. Don’t take things like this for granted; millions of people live in large cities, and are so far removed from the wild. We are lucky to be able to experience this so easily.
The park is free to the public, and open from sunup to sundown every day. There are lots of classes and seminars, particularly for youth, and are very educational.
“Red River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of four units in the Red River Valley in northwestern Louisiana,” states the refuge’s website. “Headquarters Unit in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, Bayou Pierre Unit in Desoto and Red River Parishes, Lower Cane Unit in Natchitoches Parish and Spanish Lake Lowlands in Natchitoches Parish. The first property was acquired on August 22, 2002. The Visitor Center, Headquarters Offices and Education Center opened in January 2012. The refuge is important to waterfowl, wading birds and songbirds especially.”