Friends of Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
Bear Festival to be Held This April in Franklin
The annual Bear Festival will be held on April 21 and 22 in Franklin. This festival will feature music, food and other events. The festival grounds are located near the Franklin Courthouse along Bayou Teche. While at the festival check out the Wooden Boat Festival on Teche Drive also along Bayou Teche.
Join us During the Bear Festival for Tours of the Refuge
Bear Festival Paddle Adventure
See You in April 2017!
Join Along With Friends on the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge on a Paddle Adventure Into the Beautiful Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
On Saturday, paddle with your friends along with the Lafayette Paddle Club into the beautiful Yellow Bayou. You must have your own boat and equipment. Registration is required. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult in your boat. To begin the adventure, we will meet at the Fairfax Foster Bailey Boat Landing in Franklin where you will check in with the group. We will then caravan to the put in location. You MUST meet us by 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 to join in this trip! For registration and information click on the link below:
Bear Festival Trail Hike
See You in April 2017
Registration Online or the day of the event at the
Fairfax Foster Bailey Boat Landing
Location: Willow Street under US90 Overpass
Tour Times: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
You will hike into the National Bayou Teche Wildlife Refuge at your own pace on one of the many trails. Reservations required, groups will be limited in size for optimal viewing experience. To register and for directions click on the registration form link below. TO JOIN US MEET AT THE FAIRFAX FOSTER BAILEY BOAT LANDING AT 1 P.M.
Bear Festival Motorized Boat Tour
See You in April 2017
Registration Location:
US Fish & Wildlife Service Tent
at the Bear Festival on Willow St. & Teche Drive
Tour Times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Guided tours onto the National Bayou Teche Wildlife Refuge.
Advanced reservations required, groups will be limited in size for optimal viewing experience. TO JOIN IN THIS TOUR, MEET AT THE TENT AT THE BEAR FESTIVAL FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION.
Basic Introduction to Canoeing
See You in April 2017
Registration Location:
US Fish & Wildlife Service Tent
at the Bear Festival on Willow St. & Teche Drive
Time: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Trip Location: Centerville Boardwalk
Look for our canoe trailer at the put in site.
This event is an introduction to canoeing/kayaking. You will be fitted with a life jacket, chose a paddle and given instructions on basic paddle strokes before beginning your adventure. Find out if canoeing/kayaking is right for you and your family so you may join us on future trips covering longer distances. This event is perfect for beginners. Get your directions and regulations required to join in the event at the Festival tent.
Birding on the Boardwalk
See You in April 2017
Registration Location: US Fish & Wildlife Service Tent at the Bear Festival on Willow St. & Teche Dr.
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. by Registration Only
Location: Centerville Boardwalk
Enjoy viewing a variety of birds and learn more about them as you take a stroll onto the refuge. Remember to stop by the tent to register!