Projects and Research
Restoration of the Ridge Project: This post-Hurricane Katrina project is restoring a mixed hardwood forest which suffered extensive damage due to saltwater and wind. Since 2005, local schoolchildren and community volunteers have been planting trees and native plants, and removing invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species at this site. An interpretive boardwalk trail explores this area.
Some research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the refuge are compatible with the refuge’s congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals. Special use permits may limit the scope, timing and location of the activity, as determined by the refuge where the activity would take place. Universities, students, and other organizations wishing to conduct research on the refuge should fill out a special use permit application and submit it by email to the Refuge Manager. Please allow 30 working days to process the permit. The research special use permit is valid only when approved and signed by a refuge official.
Research and Monitoring Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-R)
For research and monitoring activities by students, universities, or other non-FWS organizations.