Events, Volunteer Opportunities,
Continuing Education, & Deadlines
We've gathered some interesting events that naturalists of all ages may enjoy!
Blue text = LMNGBR event | Black text = Public event
Early Bird Hours
|
Bluebonnet Swamp - Saturdays 7:00am - 9:00am
BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center has extended visitor hours on Saturdays for self-guided bird watching. |
Fontainbleau State Park - Sundays 9:30am - 10:30am
Meet the Interpretive Ranger at the Visitors Center for a light morning bird hike. Binoculars are available. |
Nature Events
September 18, 2021
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Kendalwood Road Park
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
September 18, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
September 22, 2021
Attracting Hummingbirds Using Plants
Hilltop Arboretum online presentation and plant sale
6:30 pm
Presenter Jane Patterson will focus on our local hummingbird, the ruby-throated hummer that breeds in this area. She also will talk about other hummingbirds that show up for us in the fall and winter! She will also present about what you can do to attract hummingbirds to your garden. In particular, she will showcase plants that they love, many of which will be offered by the LSU Hilltop Arboretum for sale online during this special event, just in time for the peak of fall migration! Members $15/Non-Members $20; Registration
September 24 - 26, 2021
Butterfly Blast at Allen Acres
Botanist Dr. Charles Allen has filled his Bed & Breakfast property in Pitkin, LA with plants that feed butterflies and moths. You can book a room and frolic on the property while viewing hundreds of species of butterflies and moths at his special moth night viewing stands. He will also have butterfly walks planned at nearby sites that you drop in as well. www.allenacresbandb.com
September 25, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
September 25, 2021
Audubon Bicentennial
10:00am - 4:00pm
@Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville
Come celebrate the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon at Oakley Plantation with a day full of fun family nature activities. Each hour different crafts, talks, demonstrations, or tours bring alive the life of the plants and animals that call the park home. An admission is charged. For more information please call the park at 1-225-635-3739.
September 25, 2021
Public Lands Day
@Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
In recognition of Public Lands Day, volunteers and staff will work together to clean trails, remove litter/debris and conduct beautification projects throughout the site. Refreshments will be provided to all participants. This program is subject to change depending on weather conditions. To pre-register for this event, please call 337.394.3754.
October 2021
Haunted Hikes for Kids
@Bluebonnet Swamp
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Throughout the month of October, Bluebonnet Swamp is hosting a series of Haunted Hikes that are designed especially for younger children. This program is an alternative to the commercial haunted houses, which are geared more for teenagers and adults. Participants learn about snakes, insects, rats and other “creepy critters” as they stop at educational stations along the trail. Track down costumed characters to receive “treasures” then trek through the Swamp Graveyard to our Education Building for Carnival Games and Spooky Storytime. No scare tactics are used during this program, and participants are welcome to come in costume if they choose. All participants should bring a flashlight. $6 per person / Free for those age 2 and younger.
October 1 - 31, 2021
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt
Nurdles are small plastic pellets about the size of a lentil. Countless billions are used each year to make plastic products, but many are spilled at plants or during transportation and end up washing up on our shores. Volunteer organizations are collecting nurdle count data to document this pollution problem. Take some time to look for nurdles on the banks of the Mississippi River or on any beach during the month of October and submit your data to The Great Nurdle Hunt or Nurdle Patrol.
October 1, 2021
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Blackwater Conservation Area
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
October 4 - 10, 2021
PlantFest!
Hilltop Arboretum virtual "teaser" presentation and plant sale
To keep you safe during the latest surge of COVID-19, Hilltop’s annual PlantFest Teaser will be a virtual program featuring Tammany Baumgarten, owner of BaumGardens in New Orleans. In a recorded video, Tammany will discuss her favorite native plants, tips on how to grow them in your garden, and how they change from season to season. All plants featured in the video will be available for purchase online from October 4th to 10th. Members of the Friends of Hilltop at the $50 level and above will automatically receive an email on October 4th with links to the video on YouTube, a pdf file with descriptions and pictures of all of the plants featured, and a link to purchase plants online. Members below $50 and the public must register and pay a $20 fee online to receive the email and links. Registration and information
October 4, 2021
Master Plan for the Burden Museum & Botanic Garden: Evisioning the Future
Noon - 1:00pm
@Conference center at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Suzanne Turner and Associates will be the speaker for this "Reflections in the Garden" presentation. A hayride tour of the grounds will follow the presentation. Free for members, $10 for visitors.
October 7, 2021
The EBR Master Gardener Library Series
6:30 - 8:30 pm
@Jones Creek Library
Hear about Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and Tubers from Donna Montgomery and Trees for South Louisiana from Kathy Morris.
October 12, 2021
Urban Nature Hike
5:30pm - 7:00pm
@Milford Wampold Memorial Park
Interested in exploring the nature oasis next door or looking to take your neighborhood walks to the next level? This hike is geared toward nature novices of all ages. Participants will enjoy a leisurely walk through a BREC park while learning some fun facts about the park’s natural areas and the fundamentals of adventuring in the great outdoors. Free. Registration required
October 16, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
October 30, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
November 6, 2021
Revive Your Mind Nature Hike
9:30am - 11:30am
@Frenchtown Conservation Area
Forest bathing, Nature Rx, Ecotherapy…it’s been called many things but the message is the same, nature is good for you! If life has you spinning and you feel out of balance this is the hike for you. BREC staff will be sharing time in nature to slow down and take a breakthrough mindful, purposeful observation. Information
November 12, 2021
Swamp Flashlight Night
5:00pm - 9:00pm
@BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Bring your flashlights and enjoy a leisurely night hike with your family and friends, plus staff will provide live animal encounters.
November 20, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
November 27, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
December 4, 2021
BREC Green Force Volunteer Training
8:00am - 4:00pm
Details TBA
BREC Conservation is looking to train a dedicated force of volunteers in resource management, education and programming. Learn how to help keep our habitats clean and healthy and earn rewards doing it! Only 20 volunteer
hours a year commitment! Whether you want to learn more about invasive species removal, trail clearing or how to be a program or event aid, this training is for you! Training includes a classroom component and hands-on field training that we knock out all in one day. Lunch is provided and we will be in a location that provides social distancing during the classroom component. The training counts towards your total hours for the year. Registration and background check required. Registration deadline: November 22. Ages 16 and up. More information
December 11, 2021
Trail Dayz
9:00am - 1:00pm
@BREC Comite River Park
Join the BREC Outdoors team for a morning of celebrating and enjoying all things trails! Learn more about BREC’s extensive wilderness trail systems for hiking and mountain biking. There will be mountain bikes available for rent, free snacks, music and more. Join a guided mountain bike ride or a guided hike to familiarize yourself with the trails for the first time, or meet with representatives from local mountain biking and hiking organizations to see about getting more involved in the active hobbies.
December 11, 2021
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Frenchtown Conservation Area
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
December 18, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
January 21, 2022
Arbor Day Celebration
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
@Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area What better place to celebrate Louisiana's Arbor Day than the Louisiana State Arboretum? The day will begin with an opening ceremony honoring the day and the role of trees in our lives. Visit the tree classroom and learn how to plant, prune and care for trees. Hard-to-find Louisiana native tree saplings will be available to participants throughout the day while supplies last.
January 22, 2022
Arbor Day
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Be an arborist for a day! Enjoy a scavenger hunt and more! Your family can learn about native trees; plant a tree and watch your tree grow for generations using your tree's GPS coordinates in the Burden Woods. All trees planted help to reforest our native trees lost during Hurricane Gustav. There will also be native trees for sale at Arbor Day for $15. The event is free and open to the public.
February 18 - 21, 2022
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days. More info: www.birdcount.org
April 8-10, 2022
Rendezvous 2022: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Camp Hardtner, Pitkin, LA
Third try is the charm! The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association's annual conference was canceled due to covid twice, but we are very optimistic that it will happen in person in 2022! All certified and non-certified members are eligible to attend. If you registered for Rendezvous 2020, your registration will automatically roll over to 2022. See https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/rendezvous-2022.html for updated information.
April 29 - May 2, 2022
City Nature Challenge
Baton Rouge is competing in the 2022 City Nature Challenge! Let's beat the other cities!!!! Everyone can participate by posting photos of wildlife and plants in iNaturalist found in the 12 parish Baton Rouge region during the competition weekend. http://www.brnaturechallenge.org
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Kendalwood Road Park
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
September 18, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
September 22, 2021
Attracting Hummingbirds Using Plants
Hilltop Arboretum online presentation and plant sale
6:30 pm
Presenter Jane Patterson will focus on our local hummingbird, the ruby-throated hummer that breeds in this area. She also will talk about other hummingbirds that show up for us in the fall and winter! She will also present about what you can do to attract hummingbirds to your garden. In particular, she will showcase plants that they love, many of which will be offered by the LSU Hilltop Arboretum for sale online during this special event, just in time for the peak of fall migration! Members $15/Non-Members $20; Registration
September 24 - 26, 2021
Butterfly Blast at Allen Acres
Botanist Dr. Charles Allen has filled his Bed & Breakfast property in Pitkin, LA with plants that feed butterflies and moths. You can book a room and frolic on the property while viewing hundreds of species of butterflies and moths at his special moth night viewing stands. He will also have butterfly walks planned at nearby sites that you drop in as well. www.allenacresbandb.com
September 25, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
September 25, 2021
Audubon Bicentennial
10:00am - 4:00pm
@Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville
Come celebrate the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon at Oakley Plantation with a day full of fun family nature activities. Each hour different crafts, talks, demonstrations, or tours bring alive the life of the plants and animals that call the park home. An admission is charged. For more information please call the park at 1-225-635-3739.
September 25, 2021
Public Lands Day
@Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
In recognition of Public Lands Day, volunteers and staff will work together to clean trails, remove litter/debris and conduct beautification projects throughout the site. Refreshments will be provided to all participants. This program is subject to change depending on weather conditions. To pre-register for this event, please call 337.394.3754.
October 2021
Haunted Hikes for Kids
@Bluebonnet Swamp
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Throughout the month of October, Bluebonnet Swamp is hosting a series of Haunted Hikes that are designed especially for younger children. This program is an alternative to the commercial haunted houses, which are geared more for teenagers and adults. Participants learn about snakes, insects, rats and other “creepy critters” as they stop at educational stations along the trail. Track down costumed characters to receive “treasures” then trek through the Swamp Graveyard to our Education Building for Carnival Games and Spooky Storytime. No scare tactics are used during this program, and participants are welcome to come in costume if they choose. All participants should bring a flashlight. $6 per person / Free for those age 2 and younger.
October 1 - 31, 2021
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt
Nurdles are small plastic pellets about the size of a lentil. Countless billions are used each year to make plastic products, but many are spilled at plants or during transportation and end up washing up on our shores. Volunteer organizations are collecting nurdle count data to document this pollution problem. Take some time to look for nurdles on the banks of the Mississippi River or on any beach during the month of October and submit your data to The Great Nurdle Hunt or Nurdle Patrol.
October 1, 2021
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Blackwater Conservation Area
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
October 4 - 10, 2021
PlantFest!
Hilltop Arboretum virtual "teaser" presentation and plant sale
To keep you safe during the latest surge of COVID-19, Hilltop’s annual PlantFest Teaser will be a virtual program featuring Tammany Baumgarten, owner of BaumGardens in New Orleans. In a recorded video, Tammany will discuss her favorite native plants, tips on how to grow them in your garden, and how they change from season to season. All plants featured in the video will be available for purchase online from October 4th to 10th. Members of the Friends of Hilltop at the $50 level and above will automatically receive an email on October 4th with links to the video on YouTube, a pdf file with descriptions and pictures of all of the plants featured, and a link to purchase plants online. Members below $50 and the public must register and pay a $20 fee online to receive the email and links. Registration and information
October 4, 2021
Master Plan for the Burden Museum & Botanic Garden: Evisioning the Future
Noon - 1:00pm
@Conference center at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Suzanne Turner and Associates will be the speaker for this "Reflections in the Garden" presentation. A hayride tour of the grounds will follow the presentation. Free for members, $10 for visitors.
October 7, 2021
The EBR Master Gardener Library Series
6:30 - 8:30 pm
@Jones Creek Library
Hear about Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and Tubers from Donna Montgomery and Trees for South Louisiana from Kathy Morris.
October 12, 2021
Urban Nature Hike
5:30pm - 7:00pm
@Milford Wampold Memorial Park
Interested in exploring the nature oasis next door or looking to take your neighborhood walks to the next level? This hike is geared toward nature novices of all ages. Participants will enjoy a leisurely walk through a BREC park while learning some fun facts about the park’s natural areas and the fundamentals of adventuring in the great outdoors. Free. Registration required
October 16, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
October 30, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
November 6, 2021
Revive Your Mind Nature Hike
9:30am - 11:30am
@Frenchtown Conservation Area
Forest bathing, Nature Rx, Ecotherapy…it’s been called many things but the message is the same, nature is good for you! If life has you spinning and you feel out of balance this is the hike for you. BREC staff will be sharing time in nature to slow down and take a breakthrough mindful, purposeful observation. Information
November 12, 2021
Swamp Flashlight Night
5:00pm - 9:00pm
@BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Bring your flashlights and enjoy a leisurely night hike with your family and friends, plus staff will provide live animal encounters.
November 20, 2021
Port Hudson Bird Walk
7:00am - 9:00am
@Port Hudson State Historic Site
Join the birdwatching ranger for a morning bird walk to learn some birdwatching basics or practice your birding field skills, while at the same time meet some great people. All skill levels are encouraged to join in and spend some quality time in the woods. All participants must be pre-registered. Bring your own binoculars and a journaling notebook. A birding scope will be available. Fee is $8.00 which includes park admission.
November 27, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
December 4, 2021
BREC Green Force Volunteer Training
8:00am - 4:00pm
Details TBA
BREC Conservation is looking to train a dedicated force of volunteers in resource management, education and programming. Learn how to help keep our habitats clean and healthy and earn rewards doing it! Only 20 volunteer
hours a year commitment! Whether you want to learn more about invasive species removal, trail clearing or how to be a program or event aid, this training is for you! Training includes a classroom component and hands-on field training that we knock out all in one day. Lunch is provided and we will be in a location that provides social distancing during the classroom component. The training counts towards your total hours for the year. Registration and background check required. Registration deadline: November 22. Ages 16 and up. More information
December 11, 2021
Trail Dayz
9:00am - 1:00pm
@BREC Comite River Park
Join the BREC Outdoors team for a morning of celebrating and enjoying all things trails! Learn more about BREC’s extensive wilderness trail systems for hiking and mountain biking. There will be mountain bikes available for rent, free snacks, music and more. Join a guided mountain bike ride or a guided hike to familiarize yourself with the trails for the first time, or meet with representatives from local mountain biking and hiking organizations to see about getting more involved in the active hobbies.
December 11, 2021
BREC Woods Walk
9:30am - 11:30am
@Frenchtown Conservation Area
Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for our Woods Walk Hiking Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. $5 Register
December 18, 2021
Birding at Burden
7:00am - 10:00am
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Grab your birding gear for a three-hour guided tour lead by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden. Admission is $5 per person. The capacity for each excursion is limited to 10 guests.
Registration
January 21, 2022
Arbor Day Celebration
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
@Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area What better place to celebrate Louisiana's Arbor Day than the Louisiana State Arboretum? The day will begin with an opening ceremony honoring the day and the role of trees in our lives. Visit the tree classroom and learn how to plant, prune and care for trees. Hard-to-find Louisiana native tree saplings will be available to participants throughout the day while supplies last.
January 22, 2022
Arbor Day
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Be an arborist for a day! Enjoy a scavenger hunt and more! Your family can learn about native trees; plant a tree and watch your tree grow for generations using your tree's GPS coordinates in the Burden Woods. All trees planted help to reforest our native trees lost during Hurricane Gustav. There will also be native trees for sale at Arbor Day for $15. The event is free and open to the public.
February 18 - 21, 2022
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days. More info: www.birdcount.org
April 8-10, 2022
Rendezvous 2022: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Camp Hardtner, Pitkin, LA
Third try is the charm! The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association's annual conference was canceled due to covid twice, but we are very optimistic that it will happen in person in 2022! All certified and non-certified members are eligible to attend. If you registered for Rendezvous 2020, your registration will automatically roll over to 2022. See https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/rendezvous-2022.html for updated information.
April 29 - May 2, 2022
City Nature Challenge
Baton Rouge is competing in the 2022 City Nature Challenge! Let's beat the other cities!!!! Everyone can participate by posting photos of wildlife and plants in iNaturalist found in the 12 parish Baton Rouge region during the competition weekend. http://www.brnaturechallenge.org