Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cameron Parish, Louisiana |
| Nearest city | Lake Charles, Louisiana |
| Area | 9,621 acres (3,893 ha) |
| Established | 1986 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge |
The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Louisiana. It is located about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Lake Charles. This refuge is in north central Cameron Parish. It covers a huge area of 9,621 acres (3,893 ha). This land includes fresh marsh, coastal prairie, and old rice fields. It's a safe home for many different animals and plants.
The refuge has a visitor center that opened in 1994. You can find it south of Lake Charles on Louisiana Highway 27. It is 11 miles south of Holmwood, Louisiana. The center has cool exhibits about the birds and other wildlife. You can learn about the plants and different types of ecosystems here. One fun exhibit features a Cajun character named Tante Marie. She sits in a pirogue (a small boat) and talks about life in the refuge. The visitor center was damaged by Hurricane Rita in 2005. It reopened with brand new exhibits in the fall of 2009.
Exploring the Southwest Louisiana Wildlife Refuges
What is the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex?
In 2004, several wildlife refuges joined together. They formed the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This group includes the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. It also includes the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. The main office for this complex is located at Cameron Prairie. This helps manage all these important wildlife areas together.
See also
