Since 1998, National Great Outdoors Month in June has reminded us to explore our nation’s abundant wildlife refuges, parks, and natural beauty. The weather is great, the outdoor activities are endless, and nature is calling!
Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, strolling through a park, or just relaxing, every U. L. Coleman managed property is just a short drive, or walk, away from a great outdoor experience. And with properties in northwest Louisiana, southern Louisiana, east Texas, and southern Texas, there’s plenty of variety.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-great-outdoors-month-june/
If you’re in Shreveport-Bossier City…Visit the Red River National Wildlife Refuge!
Located on the Bossier City side of the Red River, this federal refuge is perfect for a day of walking, sightseeing, and fun. With several walking/hiking trails varying from beginner to intermediate difficulty, anyone can enjoy their time here. The trails wind around scenic Lake Caroline, down to the bank of the Red River, and back around through wetlands. Loads of native birds, reptiles, and sometimes even deer or other wildlife are commonly sighted here. If you are more of a water sports person- BYOK! (Bring your own kayak!) another popular attraction to the refuge and Lake Caroline is the public boat launch where you can put your kayak in for paddling around the lake. Just check the website to make sure the launch is open before you go!
So put on your hiking shoes, pack a lunch, plenty of water, and make the short drive over to Bossier City’s best hidden gem!
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/red_river/
https://www.facebook.com/RedRiverNWR
Shreveport-Bossier City U. L. Coleman Properties: Chaparral Apartments, Coates Bluff at Wright Island, The Willows, Colonial Plaza, Greenacres Village, Tallow Wood, Millbrook Apartments, Millicent Crossing, Northgate Square, Pier Landing Apartments, Preston Place, Port Au Prince, Raintree Apartments, Southwood Village.
East Texas residents…
Visit the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center (LANC)!
Nestled in trees and gentle cliffs, the Center sits in the heart of Longview, a short car ride from Downtown. Just south of Lake Lomond, the area attracts birds, butterflies, wildlife, and indigenous flora and fauna. With lots of seasonal flowers, plants, water features, and walking paths, the LANC is a perfect outdoor excursion for visitors of all ages and interests.
The Center also offers hands-on activities and Science camps built around nature-themed curriculums for kids!
Take advantage of this wonderful Longview park this month!
https://www.longviewarboretum.org/
East Texas U.L. Coleman Properties: Oak Hollow Apartments, Country Club Place
San Marcos is loaded with outdoor fun!
Pack a backpack and make a day of all the nature trails San Marcos has to offer!
With at least seven different official nature areas in San Marcos, TX, there is no shortage of places for apartment dwellers to explore the great outdoors. Throughout these parks, one can find blue swimming holes, beautiful secluded lakes, crystal clear streams, huge trees, gorgeous flowers, butterflies, birds, and more! Plus, leashed pets are welcome in all of these areas, as well as bicycling. You may even want to try your hand at bird-watching, which is a popular activity for naturalists in the area.
Visit the San Marcos Parks and Recreation website for printable maps of all the unique trails that are available to you!
https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/921/Natural-Areas-Trails
San Marcos U.L. Coleman Properties: Highcrest Apartments
When in Baton Rouge-
Go on an adventure to the Bluebonnet Swamp and Nature Center.
South East Louisiana is more than football and parades- the area offers a plethora of natural escapes, like the Bluebonnet Swamp and Nature Center.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a 103-acre facility dedicated to conservation, education, recreation and tourism. It houses an award-winning, 9500-square-foot building filled with live animal exhibits; photographic presentations of the site’s flora and fauna; natural artifact and mineral displays; and a sizeable, vintage waterfowl decoy carving collection. Ecology and art exhibits are featured periodically.
Over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks link varied habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia, and hardwood forests. Wildlife is plentiful at Bluebonnet Swamp, including hundreds of bird species utilizing the site throughout the year. While snakes and turtles are commonly seen from the trails, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, deer, and otters are also known to inhabit the site.
https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/park/BluebonnetSwamp
Baton Rouge U. L. Coleman Properties: Sherwood Place Apartments
With so many options and ways to enjoy the great outdoors… get going!
