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
April 1 - May 31, 2020
BREC Virtual BioBlitz
Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, BREC had to postpone their actual Bioblitz event until the fall. However, to keep you all sane and provide an outdoor classroom solution to parents they are converting this year's Bioblitz into a VIRTUAL one.
What is a VIRTUAL Bioblitz?
Using the free iNaturalist app you are able to visit the 4 participating parks individually or in groups of less than 10. While visiting the parks, take pictures of what you see, plants, insects, trees, fungi, birds, etc. using the iNaturalist app and when you upload your observations it will add them to the Bioblitz project. Check out the project here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/brec-2020-virtual-bioblitz
BREC Conservation will be posting video tutorials for how to use that app and take great pictures at brec.org/bioblitz in case you are unfamiliar with how to use it.
Participating Parks:
Zachary Community Park
Manchac Park
Blackwater Conservation Area
Kendalwood Road Park (primitive, recommended for older children and adults)
This is meant to be a project for individuals, families and very small groups. Keep in mind restrooms if the park has them will be open but all BREC facilities are closed. Email conservation@brec.org if you have questions.
Now Thru June 27, 2020
Margaret Stones Botanical Art Exhibition
@LSU Hill Memorial Library
*Note - check before going if LSU is open to visitors! From February 10 to June 27, the LSU Special Collections will exhibit Louisiana’s Natural Treasure: Margaret Stones, Botanical Artist at the Hill Memorial Library. A native of Australia, Margaret Stones (1920-2018) achieved an acclaimed international career that spanned three continents. Stones’s art has been featured in an impressive array of exhibitions and been recognized with distinguished awards and honors. Of the three major multiyear endeavors undertaken by Stones during her long professional career, the final one--The Native Flora of Louisiana--resulted in one of the most remarkable collections of botanical art created for a U.S. state. Commissioned by LSU and funded by private donations, more than two-hundred watercolor drawings of Louisiana plants produced by Stones during the1970s and 1980s are among the most treasured holdings of LSU Libraries Special Collections. lib.lsu.edu/special
April 24 - 27, 2020
City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. Post observations of wildlife and plants in your neighborhood using the iNaturalist app. Help represent Louisiana! How to participate
May 1, 2020
BREC Night Hike and Campfire
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
@Hooper Road Park
Join BREC on a Friday night in May for a great way to say hello to summer and finish of a great school year. Program will include a night hike learning about local ecology and nocturnal animals and will include activities and games. End the night around a campfire roasting marshmallows and learning local folk lore. Come enjoy this great way to get the family out in nature before the summer heat begins. More info and registration
May 2, 2020
Kids Program: Special Saturdays
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
@LSU Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
“Special Saturdays” at the LSU Museum of Natural Science is a STEM program that focuses on introducing children and their parents to the world of natural science. One Saturday a month we focus on a specific topic and invite experts from within the LSU research community to give short engaging talks accompanied by hands-on activities. All programs are FREE and are especially appropriate for children ages 5-12. **PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
May 3, 2020
LMNGBR Field Trip: Purple Martin Colony in Denham Springs
May 4, 2020
Vanishing Backyard Birds: How You Can Save the Birds
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Gina Periou, Owner of Wild Birds Unlimited will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
May 7, 2020
Home School Program: What Tree is That?
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
@Audubon State Historic-Site, 11788 La Highway 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775
Home School groups are invited to explore the world of trees in this hands on Audubon Discovery program. Students will learn quick facts on how to identify a tree, how trees grow, and introduced to the many sorts of pine including planting and taking home their own pine tree seed. Preregistration required and class limit for students is 30. Class material oriented towards elementary school age. Please call Wednesday-Sunday from 9 AM-5 PM at 1-225-635-3739.
May 8 - 17, 2020
National Public Gardens Week
@LSU Botanic Gardens at Burden
Stay tuned for programs and activities during National Public Gardens Week.
May 9, 2020
Purple Martin Day
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
@North Park, 30372 Eden Church Rd., Denham Springs
Learn about purple martins and the colony established in the park and learn about nature-related organizations, like LMNGBR!
May 9, 2020
FAE Day
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
@Independence Gardens
This BREC community event is a kid-friendly day of whimsical nature activities. Kids can learn how to enhance their yards and gardens to attract various wildlife - and maybe some member of the “FAE” folk, as well has how to preserve our Earth for all animals. The event will include food, music, face-painting, character visits (FAE folk), crafts, games, story-telling, and hands on activities within the gardens. FAE stands for Fairies and Earth. FAE day celebrates the Earth and how to preserve and make it beautiful. FAE also ties in fairies and other mythical creatures of the Earth. We plan to have different activities to show families all the amazing things the Earth has to offer and how we can do our part to keep it clean for everyone and everything that lives here.
May 16, 2020
Children's Garden Festival
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
@Burden at the Children’s Garden and Pollinator Garden
A morning full of children’s gardening activities presented by the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners with learning and craft stations on bees and butterflies, bird feeders, composting, healthy snacks, herb petting zoo, owl rehab, snakes and veggie art. Admission charged.
May 23, 2020
LMNGBR Field Trip: Lake Martin
May 26, 2020
Discover Nature Presentation
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Topic TBA. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
May 28, 2020
Attracting Pollinators
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
@Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
This program is presented by the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association's Educational Presentations Committee. There will be two presentations: "The Amazing Hibiscus: Your Culinary and Apothecary Gem" by Lyn Hakeem and "Attracting Pollinators" by Ken Bosso, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener. The Library Series is free and open to the public.
June 1, 2020
Entry Deadline: My Scenic River Photo Contest
You are invited to participate in LDWF's photography contest celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Louisiana’s Scenic Rivers Act! The purpose of the contest is to promote the beauty of our Louisiana designated natural and scenic rivers. All photographs must be taken within the boundaries of the state. Photos should portray the wildlife, fisheries, natural habitats or recreational opportunities our Louisiana designated natural and scenic rivers provide. For full details, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/myscenicriver
June 13, 2020
Walking with Audubon
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@Audubon State Historic-Site, 11788 La Highway 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775
In honor of the arrival of the parks most famous visitor in June of 1821, John James Audubon, take part in this extended tour of the park buildings and grounds. The program begins in the museum at 10 AM and 2 PM with a special video and after talk on the Audubon prints on display. Then follow the Ranger on a guided tour of the Oakley Plantation house where John Audubon once lived. Afterwards continue on to a guided tour of the outbuildings and learn of the life for the slaves on the plantation, some of which had their own contributions to Audubon's famous artworks. The program is geared towards adults. The cost is the standard house tour cost for the site.
June 20, 2020
Garden Fest
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@Burden/LSU AgCenter Botanic GardensBring the family for some summertime fun in the gardens! Garden Fest is a family friendly festival in the middle of Baton Rouge that promotes locally grown foods. Your family will enjoy fresh morning omelets by the Louisiana Egg Commission, famous Bloody Mary samples by Mason's Grill and local food trucks. Activities for kids include water slides, "Touch-a-Tractor" and hayrides! There will be vegetable trials and tastings and a chance to meet amazing local plant and gardening clubs in Baton Rouge. Admission is $5 per person and free for children ages 3 and under. Bring your swimsuits and prepare for a fun Saturday at the Botanic Gardens!
July 18 - 26, 2020
National Moth Week
Celebrate the wonder and diversity of moths by hosting or attending a mothing event. Registration and mothing information
July 28, 2020
How Insects See
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Dr. Ashley M. Long with the LSU Wildlife Ecology School of Renewable Natural Resources will introduce us to the unique anatomy and vision of insects. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
August 4, 2020
LMNGBR All-Hands Member Meeting
August 25, 2020
Dragonflies and Damselflies
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Jeanell Strickland, an odonata hobbyist and author, will talk about dragonflies and damselflies, the fascinating flyers we see all over Louisiana. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
September 14, 2020
Utilizing Natives for Successful Landscapes
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard, LSU AgCenter Asst. Professor & Extension Specialist for Consumer Horticulture will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
September 19, 2020
Bayou Bee Fest
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Save the date for the inaugural Bayou Bee Fest celebrating pollinators and Baton Rouge's Bee City USA designation!
September 22, 2020
Native Plants
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Bill Fontenot, author and owner of Prairie Basse Ecological Consulting, will provide us with an introduction to native plants and tips for using them in our landscapes. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
October 17, 2020
Hilltop Arboretum Plant Fest
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Baton Rouge, LA
Save the date for the annual fall plant fest! Lots of native plants!
December 7, 2020
Native Grasses and the Cajun Prairie
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Brian Early, Botanist, Wildlife Diversity Program, LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
February 12 - 15, 2021
The Great Backyard Bird Count
This annual citizen science event need your help to count the birds you see in your backyard. Simply count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC and submit the data. More information: https://gbbc.birdcount.org
April 9 - 11, 2021
Rendezvous 2021: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Camp Hardtner, Pollock, LA
Save the date for the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association annual conference! All members are eligible to attend. Registration TBA. If you registered for Rendezvous 2020, your registration will automatically roll over to 2021 Rendezvous.
BREC Virtual BioBlitz
Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, BREC had to postpone their actual Bioblitz event until the fall. However, to keep you all sane and provide an outdoor classroom solution to parents they are converting this year's Bioblitz into a VIRTUAL one.
What is a VIRTUAL Bioblitz?
Using the free iNaturalist app you are able to visit the 4 participating parks individually or in groups of less than 10. While visiting the parks, take pictures of what you see, plants, insects, trees, fungi, birds, etc. using the iNaturalist app and when you upload your observations it will add them to the Bioblitz project. Check out the project here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/brec-2020-virtual-bioblitz
BREC Conservation will be posting video tutorials for how to use that app and take great pictures at brec.org/bioblitz in case you are unfamiliar with how to use it.
Participating Parks:
Zachary Community Park
Manchac Park
Blackwater Conservation Area
Kendalwood Road Park (primitive, recommended for older children and adults)
This is meant to be a project for individuals, families and very small groups. Keep in mind restrooms if the park has them will be open but all BREC facilities are closed. Email conservation@brec.org if you have questions.
Now Thru June 27, 2020
Margaret Stones Botanical Art Exhibition
@LSU Hill Memorial Library
*Note - check before going if LSU is open to visitors! From February 10 to June 27, the LSU Special Collections will exhibit Louisiana’s Natural Treasure: Margaret Stones, Botanical Artist at the Hill Memorial Library. A native of Australia, Margaret Stones (1920-2018) achieved an acclaimed international career that spanned three continents. Stones’s art has been featured in an impressive array of exhibitions and been recognized with distinguished awards and honors. Of the three major multiyear endeavors undertaken by Stones during her long professional career, the final one--The Native Flora of Louisiana--resulted in one of the most remarkable collections of botanical art created for a U.S. state. Commissioned by LSU and funded by private donations, more than two-hundred watercolor drawings of Louisiana plants produced by Stones during the1970s and 1980s are among the most treasured holdings of LSU Libraries Special Collections. lib.lsu.edu/special
April 24 - 27, 2020
City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. Post observations of wildlife and plants in your neighborhood using the iNaturalist app. Help represent Louisiana! How to participate
May 1, 2020
BREC Night Hike and Campfire
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
@Hooper Road Park
Join BREC on a Friday night in May for a great way to say hello to summer and finish of a great school year. Program will include a night hike learning about local ecology and nocturnal animals and will include activities and games. End the night around a campfire roasting marshmallows and learning local folk lore. Come enjoy this great way to get the family out in nature before the summer heat begins. More info and registration
May 2, 2020
Kids Program: Special Saturdays
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
@LSU Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
“Special Saturdays” at the LSU Museum of Natural Science is a STEM program that focuses on introducing children and their parents to the world of natural science. One Saturday a month we focus on a specific topic and invite experts from within the LSU research community to give short engaging talks accompanied by hands-on activities. All programs are FREE and are especially appropriate for children ages 5-12. **PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
May 3, 2020
LMNGBR Field Trip: Purple Martin Colony in Denham Springs
May 4, 2020
Vanishing Backyard Birds: How You Can Save the Birds
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Gina Periou, Owner of Wild Birds Unlimited will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
May 7, 2020
Home School Program: What Tree is That?
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
@Audubon State Historic-Site, 11788 La Highway 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775
Home School groups are invited to explore the world of trees in this hands on Audubon Discovery program. Students will learn quick facts on how to identify a tree, how trees grow, and introduced to the many sorts of pine including planting and taking home their own pine tree seed. Preregistration required and class limit for students is 30. Class material oriented towards elementary school age. Please call Wednesday-Sunday from 9 AM-5 PM at 1-225-635-3739.
May 8 - 17, 2020
National Public Gardens Week
@LSU Botanic Gardens at Burden
Stay tuned for programs and activities during National Public Gardens Week.
May 9, 2020
Purple Martin Day
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
@North Park, 30372 Eden Church Rd., Denham Springs
Learn about purple martins and the colony established in the park and learn about nature-related organizations, like LMNGBR!
May 9, 2020
FAE Day
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
@Independence Gardens
This BREC community event is a kid-friendly day of whimsical nature activities. Kids can learn how to enhance their yards and gardens to attract various wildlife - and maybe some member of the “FAE” folk, as well has how to preserve our Earth for all animals. The event will include food, music, face-painting, character visits (FAE folk), crafts, games, story-telling, and hands on activities within the gardens. FAE stands for Fairies and Earth. FAE day celebrates the Earth and how to preserve and make it beautiful. FAE also ties in fairies and other mythical creatures of the Earth. We plan to have different activities to show families all the amazing things the Earth has to offer and how we can do our part to keep it clean for everyone and everything that lives here.
May 16, 2020
Children's Garden Festival
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
@Burden at the Children’s Garden and Pollinator Garden
A morning full of children’s gardening activities presented by the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners with learning and craft stations on bees and butterflies, bird feeders, composting, healthy snacks, herb petting zoo, owl rehab, snakes and veggie art. Admission charged.
May 23, 2020
LMNGBR Field Trip: Lake Martin
May 26, 2020
Discover Nature Presentation
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Topic TBA. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
May 28, 2020
Attracting Pollinators
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
@Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
This program is presented by the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association's Educational Presentations Committee. There will be two presentations: "The Amazing Hibiscus: Your Culinary and Apothecary Gem" by Lyn Hakeem and "Attracting Pollinators" by Ken Bosso, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener. The Library Series is free and open to the public.
June 1, 2020
Entry Deadline: My Scenic River Photo Contest
You are invited to participate in LDWF's photography contest celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Louisiana’s Scenic Rivers Act! The purpose of the contest is to promote the beauty of our Louisiana designated natural and scenic rivers. All photographs must be taken within the boundaries of the state. Photos should portray the wildlife, fisheries, natural habitats or recreational opportunities our Louisiana designated natural and scenic rivers provide. For full details, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/myscenicriver
June 13, 2020
Walking with Audubon
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@Audubon State Historic-Site, 11788 La Highway 965, St. Francisville, LA 70775
In honor of the arrival of the parks most famous visitor in June of 1821, John James Audubon, take part in this extended tour of the park buildings and grounds. The program begins in the museum at 10 AM and 2 PM with a special video and after talk on the Audubon prints on display. Then follow the Ranger on a guided tour of the Oakley Plantation house where John Audubon once lived. Afterwards continue on to a guided tour of the outbuildings and learn of the life for the slaves on the plantation, some of which had their own contributions to Audubon's famous artworks. The program is geared towards adults. The cost is the standard house tour cost for the site.
June 20, 2020
Garden Fest
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@Burden/LSU AgCenter Botanic GardensBring the family for some summertime fun in the gardens! Garden Fest is a family friendly festival in the middle of Baton Rouge that promotes locally grown foods. Your family will enjoy fresh morning omelets by the Louisiana Egg Commission, famous Bloody Mary samples by Mason's Grill and local food trucks. Activities for kids include water slides, "Touch-a-Tractor" and hayrides! There will be vegetable trials and tastings and a chance to meet amazing local plant and gardening clubs in Baton Rouge. Admission is $5 per person and free for children ages 3 and under. Bring your swimsuits and prepare for a fun Saturday at the Botanic Gardens!
July 18 - 26, 2020
National Moth Week
Celebrate the wonder and diversity of moths by hosting or attending a mothing event. Registration and mothing information
July 28, 2020
How Insects See
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Dr. Ashley M. Long with the LSU Wildlife Ecology School of Renewable Natural Resources will introduce us to the unique anatomy and vision of insects. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
August 4, 2020
LMNGBR All-Hands Member Meeting
August 25, 2020
Dragonflies and Damselflies
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Jeanell Strickland, an odonata hobbyist and author, will talk about dragonflies and damselflies, the fascinating flyers we see all over Louisiana. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
September 14, 2020
Utilizing Natives for Successful Landscapes
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard, LSU AgCenter Asst. Professor & Extension Specialist for Consumer Horticulture will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
September 19, 2020
Bayou Bee Fest
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Save the date for the inaugural Bayou Bee Fest celebrating pollinators and Baton Rouge's Bee City USA designation!
September 22, 2020
Native Plants
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum
Bill Fontenot, author and owner of Prairie Basse Ecological Consulting, will provide us with an introduction to native plants and tips for using them in our landscapes. This presentation is part of the Discover Nature series presented by LSU Hilltop Arboretum in partnership with LMNGBR and CANPS. Pay at the door: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.
October 17, 2020
Hilltop Arboretum Plant Fest
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
@LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Baton Rouge, LA
Save the date for the annual fall plant fest! Lots of native plants!
December 7, 2020
Native Grasses and the Cajun Prairie
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
@LSU Botanical Garden, Ione Burden Conference Center
Brian Early, Botanist, Wildlife Diversity Program, LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries will be presenting. Admission is $10 per person (free for Friends members). Everyone is welcome! Bring a lunch if you like; drinks provided.
February 12 - 15, 2021
The Great Backyard Bird Count
This annual citizen science event need your help to count the birds you see in your backyard. Simply count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the GBBC and submit the data. More information: https://gbbc.birdcount.org
April 9 - 11, 2021
Rendezvous 2021: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Camp Hardtner, Pollock, LA
Save the date for the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association annual conference! All members are eligible to attend. Registration TBA. If you registered for Rendezvous 2020, your registration will automatically roll over to 2021 Rendezvous.