Pup and Purr Life Unleashed 2023 | Page 7

If you think there ’ s “ not much to see ” on this trail , you aren ’ t paying attention . Herons and egrets are silhouetted against a city skyline with 25,000 acres of fresh and brackish marsh nestled entirely within the city limits of eastern New Orleans . Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the nation ’ s largest urban refuge ! On the opposite bank of the bayou , we saw large alligators basking in the sun and a snapping turtle in the water . In the lagoon , there are freshwater red-eared slider turtles and more alligators , and it is said that they host over 225 species of birds . We saw a Great Horned Owl , nutria , bald eagles and wild hog tracks . There are many wildflowers and water lilies , and a gorgeous brown snake glided past me when I stopped to take a picture of the native purple Louisiana iris that are just beginning to bloom . The site has restrooms and a picnic pavilion and a 2 / 3-mile-long interpretive boardwalk
loop trail that provides views of bottomland hardwood forest with many cypress trees draped in Spanish moss in the marsh habitat . Beyond the boardwalk , the gravel walking trail has little shade , so be sure to bring drinking water , insect repellent , a hat and sunscreen . Binoculars could be very handy . It may be tempting but please don ’ t feed the alligators ! Encouraging them to approach humans as a source of food is dangerous for people and pets and unhealthy for the alligators .
Closer to home , Audubon Park is located in historic uptown New Orleans . The park is a popular destination for joggers , cyclists , skaters and walkers as well as those interested in bird and plant life . The park is full of ancient live oaks along the 1.9-mile easy loop trail and it takes about half an hour to complete the circuit if you don ’ t stop , but I suggest you spend some time
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