White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area Birding + Nature Trail

The White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area is an area with over 53,000 acres of marsh and 18,000 acres of leased agricultural and cropland property in the south central Louisiana area. It is operated with the aim of providing habitat for waterfowl and migrating bird species. While the land has a history of private ownership by the oil industry, the land was given to the state of Louisiana in 2002. The state ultimately transferred control to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 2005. Though expansive, the conservation area has very little public access. The primary access is through an annual lottery-based fishing license and at the Birding and Nature Trail, which is open year round. The White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area Birding and Nature Trail is actually a small network of trails consisting of an outer loop and inner trails. The outer trail follows a canal straight to the back of the trail network where an observation tower stands overlooking vast tracts of conservation area property. The inner trails circle a small pond and have a shaded sitting area. Wetlands and the surrounding canals are good for wildlife viewing; a number of birds can be seen here, along with turtles and alligators under the right conditions. Though the trails are short, their isolated location and position within a larger conservation area contribute to calm atmosphere with an abundance of birds and wildlife. Kiosks in the parking area offer information on migratory birds and the conservation area. The trails are open daily from sunrise until sunset, and pets are not allowed. For more information, see the WLWCA website.