The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Cypress Island © Nancy Camel

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

The plants and animals at this preserve are a must-see! View All

Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Location

The Cypress Island Preserve is situated between Breaux Bridge and Lafayette, Louisiana.

Size

Approximately 9,500 acres of important cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest habitat is protected.

Conditions

The birds are here! Thousands of Great Egrets, as well as Little Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills have made their nests and are rearing their young. Expect a spectacular rookery view through June. The 2.5-mile walking levee trail and connected 1-mile trail system is open from the fall to the spring and is suitable for children. Because this remarkable natural area is easily accessible and affords visitors with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, our Cypress Island Preserve receives thousands of visitors a year. We have completed our new boardwalk on the southern end of Rookery Road and a public Visitor Center and picnic pavilion where Rookery Road meets LA Hwy 353. The Visitor Center is now open. Please call first for current hours at (337) 342-2475. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the preserve, including working with a team of docents to staff the Visitor Center. 

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana's goal is to restore 20,000-acres of natural cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest, in order to support a diverse array of indigenous species of plants and wildlife. Using culturally appropriate and eco-friendly building techniques to add a public parking area, picnic area, much needed restrooms, and a short boardwalk will enable the Conservancy to minimize disturbance to the rookery while accommodating public visitation.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted off of levee trail. Because of the heat, alligators, and other natural pests, it is not recommended to bring pets with you while you visit.
• Do not collect, remove, injure, damage, or destroy any artifact or mineral or any animal living or dead.
• No hunting, trapping, fishing, or discharge of firearms is allowed in the preserve. Fishing is allowed in the open water in Lake Martin.
• No camping is allowed.
• Absolutely no fires are allowed, and smoking is not permitted in the preserve.
• Do not litter.
• No permanent photography blinds may be constructed.  Portable blinds are allowed, but we ask that you remove them when you leave.
• Do not scatter feed or seed of any kind.  Do not use taped calls to attract wildlife.
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times, and do not leave equipment or valuables in your vehicle.  Do not leave equipment unattended anywhere on the preserve.
• Leave the preserve before darkness falls.
• Please respect the rights of adjacent landowners. Do not trespass. Do not block neighbor's driveways. Please do not use any entrance other than the ones designed for the preserve.

Hours

The new Visitor Center as well as the picnic pavilion and boardwalk are open weekend days from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  We are often open during the week, but please call before your visit to make sure. The preserve is open during daylight hours. The walking trail starting along the levee is closed during alligator nesting season, June through October. The rookery area in the southern end of Lake Martin is closed to all boat entry from February 1 through July 31 for breeding bird season. You may drive along Rookery Road all year round.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

This cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest habitat is a relic of the mysterious swamps of the past, with old-growth live oaks and cypress covered with Spanish moss.

What to See: Animals

The preserve is home to a spectacular wading bird rookery that supports thousands of nesting birds each spring. Nesting White Ibis, Anhinga, Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Tri-color Heron, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Black-Crowned Night Heron, and Great Blue Heron may be observed. The walking levee trail on the preserve is also a superb place to observe trans-gulf migratory songbirds. As you visit the preserve, keep an eye out for the many reptiles and amphibians that call this area home, including all sizes of American alligators.

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Cypress Island Preserve is located approximately halfway between the town of Breaux Bridge and the city of Lafayette. Lake Martin, the preserve's main visitor attraction, is approached by two paved roads, Highway 353 from Lafayette and Highway 31 from Breaux Bridge. A small parking area is located at the southwest end of Lake Martin, where the walking levee trail may be accessed through the adjacent gate. Another parking area is located at the northern end of the lake from Rookery Road, where the north end of the walking levee trail may be accessed through the adjacent gate.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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