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
Nature Events
Friday Night Lecture Series
Highland Road Park Observatory
13800 Highland Road
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
For almost twenty-five years this program has given patrons histories and possible futures. Skygazing tips, physics phenomena, space programs and famous events are covered.
Ages: 14+
4th Saturdays
Love the Boot, Don't Pollute!
The 4th Saturday of every month is designated as a day for citizens and businesses to grab some trash bags and make sure your area is clean and free from trash.
One Saturday a Month
Birding at Burden
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
4560 Essen Ln
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Did you know 320 species of birds have been recorded in and around Burden, including common species, such as northern mockingbirds and ruby-throated hummingbirds, seven different woodpeckers, waterfowl and wading birds, and a variety of resident migratory songbirds? Grab your birding gear and join us bright and early to catch a glimpse of some of these species on a two-hour guided tour led by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden.
Click here for more information.
May 21, 2022
Swamp Birthday
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Everyone is invited to join us for our birthday bash - 25 years of connecting people to nature! To celebrate this milestone, we are inviting bakers of all skill levels to participate in a birthday bake-off. Sweet treats of all shapes and styles with a nature-inspired theme will be judged on appearance and taste. We’ll drop our admission fees for the day and offer our guests live animal encounters, crafts, games, and birthday cake – while it lasts!
Registration for bake-off is required. Click here to register as a baker.
June 4 & 5, 2022
American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA)
8:00am - 5:00pm Both days
LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
American Red Cross Certification (valid for 2 years)
Course Time: 16 hours
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid course is to provide individuals a foundation of first aid principles and skills to be able to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services (EMS) response, such as wilderness and remote environments, including urban disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. For more information.
June 25, 2022
Summer Mushrooms of the Piney Woods + Optional Mushroom Log Cultivation
Coastal Plains Outdoor School
Lumberton, MS. Details upon registration.
See schedule here.
Join us for an introduction to the identification, ecology and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. The day class will focus on laying the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats, then foray into the woods, gather the bounty and share stories of the ecology and cultural uses of wild fungi. An optional evening program covers gourmet mushroom log cultivation using invasive Chinese tallow, dinner and a campfire social.
April 28 - May 1, 2023
The Baton Rouge Region City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is a four-day friendly nature competition that goes on across the globe April 28 to May 1, 2023. More information is at http://www.brnaturechallenge.org. We are competing against the Greater New Orleans area, the Southwest Louisiana area and 400+ other cities all over the world! The goal is to see which city can show the most wildlife in their area, including wild plants, animals, insects, mushrooms, fish, turtles — everything! Let’s show off the Baton Rouge region's amazing wildlife diversity and unique ecosystems. Taking part is easy! 1) Find wildlife. It could be a bird, insect, plant or any other sign of life. 2) Take a picture. Snap a photo of what you find with your smart phone or digital camera. 3) Share! Upload your observation to iNaturalist.org or with the iNaturalist mobile app and it will be automatically added to the contest project.
Highland Road Park Observatory
13800 Highland Road
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
For almost twenty-five years this program has given patrons histories and possible futures. Skygazing tips, physics phenomena, space programs and famous events are covered.
Ages: 14+
4th Saturdays
Love the Boot, Don't Pollute!
The 4th Saturday of every month is designated as a day for citizens and businesses to grab some trash bags and make sure your area is clean and free from trash.
One Saturday a Month
Birding at Burden
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
4560 Essen Ln
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Did you know 320 species of birds have been recorded in and around Burden, including common species, such as northern mockingbirds and ruby-throated hummingbirds, seven different woodpeckers, waterfowl and wading birds, and a variety of resident migratory songbirds? Grab your birding gear and join us bright and early to catch a glimpse of some of these species on a two-hour guided tour led by different birding specialists through the birding loops at Burden.
Click here for more information.
May 21, 2022
Swamp Birthday
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Everyone is invited to join us for our birthday bash - 25 years of connecting people to nature! To celebrate this milestone, we are inviting bakers of all skill levels to participate in a birthday bake-off. Sweet treats of all shapes and styles with a nature-inspired theme will be judged on appearance and taste. We’ll drop our admission fees for the day and offer our guests live animal encounters, crafts, games, and birthday cake – while it lasts!
Registration for bake-off is required. Click here to register as a baker.
June 4 & 5, 2022
American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA)
8:00am - 5:00pm Both days
LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
American Red Cross Certification (valid for 2 years)
Course Time: 16 hours
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid course is to provide individuals a foundation of first aid principles and skills to be able to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services (EMS) response, such as wilderness and remote environments, including urban disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. For more information.
June 25, 2022
Summer Mushrooms of the Piney Woods + Optional Mushroom Log Cultivation
Coastal Plains Outdoor School
Lumberton, MS. Details upon registration.
See schedule here.
Join us for an introduction to the identification, ecology and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. The day class will focus on laying the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats, then foray into the woods, gather the bounty and share stories of the ecology and cultural uses of wild fungi. An optional evening program covers gourmet mushroom log cultivation using invasive Chinese tallow, dinner and a campfire social.
April 28 - May 1, 2023
The Baton Rouge Region City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is a four-day friendly nature competition that goes on across the globe April 28 to May 1, 2023. More information is at http://www.brnaturechallenge.org. We are competing against the Greater New Orleans area, the Southwest Louisiana area and 400+ other cities all over the world! The goal is to see which city can show the most wildlife in their area, including wild plants, animals, insects, mushrooms, fish, turtles — everything! Let’s show off the Baton Rouge region's amazing wildlife diversity and unique ecosystems. Taking part is easy! 1) Find wildlife. It could be a bird, insect, plant or any other sign of life. 2) Take a picture. Snap a photo of what you find with your smart phone or digital camera. 3) Share! Upload your observation to iNaturalist.org or with the iNaturalist mobile app and it will be automatically added to the contest project.