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
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 litter.
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.
January 22, 2022
Restoration Basketry: Random Weave with Invasive Plants
in Lumberton, MS
Learn the foundations of basketry using a fun and adaptable “random weave” technique on foraged materials. Invasive species are used because they are abundant and removing them improves wildlife habitat for wildlife. This workshop includes an introduction to identifying, harvesting, processing and weaving wild materials, with a thread of foraging philosophy interwoven throughout. Make your own unique basket and learn a skill that can be applied to all manner of objects including wreaths, sculptures and even shelter building. Take a short hike discussing the ecology and cultural history of invasive plants and then practice harvesting and processing material and ultimately start a project. Registration
January 26 & 28, 2022
Oaks: Keystone Native Tree Species
6:00pm - 7:00pm via Zoom
In observance of Arbor Day 2022, the Friends of Hilltop Arboretum Annual Symposium will focus on the Oaks, a keystone native tree species, in two Zoom presentations you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. The first presentation, The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees, will feature Dr. Douglas Tallamy on January 26, 2022, from 6-7pm. The second presentation, Tree Guru Talks Oaks, will feature Scott Courtright on January 28, 2022, from 6-7pm. Native Oak trees and books about oaks will be available for purchase online with curbside pick-up from January 28 – February 4, 2022. Registration
January 29, 2022
Old Growth Mixed Hardwood Forests Workshop
Join botanist John Michael Kelley and naturalist Matthew Herron on a treasure hunt to discover the remnants of our rich natural heritage as we hike one of Louisiana’s hidden gems in Ville Platte. Learn to read the land for signs of the forest’s history, estimate age of trees and stands, and determine the ecological health of a mixed hardwood forest. The course is designed with land owners/managers, naturalists and conservationists in mind. This class does not go into tree identification as a skill set but rather focuses on recognizing pattern recognition in forest development. Registration
January 29, 2022
Woodlot Planting Event @the University of New Orleans
10:00am - 3:00pm
Join the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans and help plant bird-friendly native trees and shrubs in the Fine Arts Woodlot. Facebook post with more info
February 11, 2022
Swamp Flashlight Night
5:00 - 9:00p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely night hike through Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center with your family and friends. Staff will be facilitating live animal encounters throughout the event. The swamp trails can be really dark at night – so don’t forget to bring a flashlight. If you don’t have one, check out our gift shop for some options. Close-toed shoes and insect repellents are recommended. General admission fee.
February 12, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Kendalwood Road Park
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)
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
March 12, 2022
Rockin' at the Swamp
9:00am - 4:00pm
@BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Explore the exciting world of rocks, minerals, gemstones and fossils! Add to your rock collection at the Rockhound Market. Try your skill scaling the rock climbing wall. Learn to identify different rocks and minerals on the Treasure Trail. Experience the excitement of the gold rush in the Gold Mine. Explore ancient life forms at the Fossil Quarry. Paint your own Rock Animal in the craft corner. And so much more! This is one rockin’ day of fun highlighting geology and earth science that you don’t want to miss. No need to register. Admission is charged at the door.
March 12, 2022
BREC Green Force Volunteer Training
8:00am - 4:30pm
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. Ages 16 and up. More information
March 12, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Frenchtown Road Conservation Area
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)
March 12 - 13, 2022
LSU AgCenter Spring Garden Show
9:00am - 4:00pm
The spring garden show is back! It will be held in the John M. Parker Coliseum located on LSU's main campus in Baton Rouge.
March 15, 2022
BREC Back to Nature Photo Contest Deadline
Get out into the parks for the annual Back to Nature Photo Contest! Either gradually or suddenly, natural habitats are constantly changing and reconstructing. The theme for the 2022 photo contest is Nature Renewal, visualizing the regeneration and recovery of BREC’s natural spaces in response to these changes. More information
March 19, 2022
Audubon State Historic Site 75th Anniversary Celebration
10:00am - 4:00pm
Audubon State Historic Site is turning 75 and you're invited to the festivities. Throughout the day activities highlight both the natural and historical events that created the site from the the original founding of Oakley Plantation in 1795 until it became a park in 1947. Step into the shoes of the artist naturalist John James Audubon through birding activities and nature based crafts for the kids. Go on special guided tours of our nature trail or out to the cabins of the enslaved people who lived here and helped Audubon find many of the specimens you see in his pictures. Talks in the theater will bring the world and life of Audubon alive. Many more activities are planned for this day long celebration of the park.
March 19, 2022
Night Hike at Poverty Point
7:30pm
During the night hike, we'll be illuminating arachnids during a session of spider sniffing, call on owls during an owl prowl, and share stories from several Native American cultures around the campfire. If guests wish to roast marshmallows or prepare s'mores, please do bring your own items, but we will have roasting sticks on hand. Please call or email the site to register your group.
March 31, 2022
Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium
The symposium is in Port Aransas this year, and there will be a virtual option available. It features a 1-day research symposium and poster session. Free. More information
April 1-3, 2022
Rendezvous 2022: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Pineville, LA
The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association's annual conference! See https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/rendezvous-2022.html for registration information.
April 8 - 9, 2022
BREC BioBlitz @Forest Community Park
Bring the family to Forest Community Park for two days of nature walks, educational activities and help BREC collect observations of wildlife and plantlife in the park. More information and registration: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/bioblitz
April 15 - 17, 2022
Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival
April 16, 2022
Bird Walk with a Ranger at Port Hudson
8:30am - 10:30am
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 us and spend some quality time in the woods. Age group 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend bring your own binoculars. Fee is $4.00 plus park admission.
April 18 - 24, 2022
Love the Boot Week
Love the Boot Week is dedicated to cleanup and beautification events in all 64 parishes across our great state. Together we can take positive steps to create a better life for all of us and protecting our state from litter. Learn how to organize your own event or volunteer for a scheduled event.
April 22 - 24, 2022
Louisiana Ornithological Society Spring Meeting
April 29 - May 2, 2022
City Nature Challenge
The Baton Rouge region 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 the iNaturalist app or at iNaturalist.org found in the 12 parish Baton Rouge region during the competition weekend. http://www.brnaturechallenge.org
May 7, 2022
Explore Nature
9:00am - 12:00pm
@PARDS North Park, Denham Springs
Explore Nature is an outdoor educational event hosted by the Purple Martin Conservation Initiative, and features nature and gardening groups who will be promoting the joy of activities centered around nature. Children’s activities and face painting will make this event fun for all ages. Upon arrival, children should stop at the Bookmobile to pick up a scavenger hunt paper because those that visit all the booths will receive a special surprise.
May 7, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Hooper Road Park
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)
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 litter.
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.
January 22, 2022
Restoration Basketry: Random Weave with Invasive Plants
in Lumberton, MS
Learn the foundations of basketry using a fun and adaptable “random weave” technique on foraged materials. Invasive species are used because they are abundant and removing them improves wildlife habitat for wildlife. This workshop includes an introduction to identifying, harvesting, processing and weaving wild materials, with a thread of foraging philosophy interwoven throughout. Make your own unique basket and learn a skill that can be applied to all manner of objects including wreaths, sculptures and even shelter building. Take a short hike discussing the ecology and cultural history of invasive plants and then practice harvesting and processing material and ultimately start a project. Registration
January 26 & 28, 2022
Oaks: Keystone Native Tree Species
6:00pm - 7:00pm via Zoom
In observance of Arbor Day 2022, the Friends of Hilltop Arboretum Annual Symposium will focus on the Oaks, a keystone native tree species, in two Zoom presentations you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. The first presentation, The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees, will feature Dr. Douglas Tallamy on January 26, 2022, from 6-7pm. The second presentation, Tree Guru Talks Oaks, will feature Scott Courtright on January 28, 2022, from 6-7pm. Native Oak trees and books about oaks will be available for purchase online with curbside pick-up from January 28 – February 4, 2022. Registration
January 29, 2022
Old Growth Mixed Hardwood Forests Workshop
Join botanist John Michael Kelley and naturalist Matthew Herron on a treasure hunt to discover the remnants of our rich natural heritage as we hike one of Louisiana’s hidden gems in Ville Platte. Learn to read the land for signs of the forest’s history, estimate age of trees and stands, and determine the ecological health of a mixed hardwood forest. The course is designed with land owners/managers, naturalists and conservationists in mind. This class does not go into tree identification as a skill set but rather focuses on recognizing pattern recognition in forest development. Registration
January 29, 2022
Woodlot Planting Event @the University of New Orleans
10:00am - 3:00pm
Join the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans and help plant bird-friendly native trees and shrubs in the Fine Arts Woodlot. Facebook post with more info
February 11, 2022
Swamp Flashlight Night
5:00 - 9:00p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely night hike through Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center with your family and friends. Staff will be facilitating live animal encounters throughout the event. The swamp trails can be really dark at night – so don’t forget to bring a flashlight. If you don’t have one, check out our gift shop for some options. Close-toed shoes and insect repellents are recommended. General admission fee.
February 12, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Kendalwood Road Park
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)
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
March 12, 2022
Rockin' at the Swamp
9:00am - 4:00pm
@BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Explore the exciting world of rocks, minerals, gemstones and fossils! Add to your rock collection at the Rockhound Market. Try your skill scaling the rock climbing wall. Learn to identify different rocks and minerals on the Treasure Trail. Experience the excitement of the gold rush in the Gold Mine. Explore ancient life forms at the Fossil Quarry. Paint your own Rock Animal in the craft corner. And so much more! This is one rockin’ day of fun highlighting geology and earth science that you don’t want to miss. No need to register. Admission is charged at the door.
March 12, 2022
BREC Green Force Volunteer Training
8:00am - 4:30pm
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. Ages 16 and up. More information
March 12, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Frenchtown Road Conservation Area
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)
March 12 - 13, 2022
LSU AgCenter Spring Garden Show
9:00am - 4:00pm
The spring garden show is back! It will be held in the John M. Parker Coliseum located on LSU's main campus in Baton Rouge.
March 15, 2022
BREC Back to Nature Photo Contest Deadline
Get out into the parks for the annual Back to Nature Photo Contest! Either gradually or suddenly, natural habitats are constantly changing and reconstructing. The theme for the 2022 photo contest is Nature Renewal, visualizing the regeneration and recovery of BREC’s natural spaces in response to these changes. More information
March 19, 2022
Audubon State Historic Site 75th Anniversary Celebration
10:00am - 4:00pm
Audubon State Historic Site is turning 75 and you're invited to the festivities. Throughout the day activities highlight both the natural and historical events that created the site from the the original founding of Oakley Plantation in 1795 until it became a park in 1947. Step into the shoes of the artist naturalist John James Audubon through birding activities and nature based crafts for the kids. Go on special guided tours of our nature trail or out to the cabins of the enslaved people who lived here and helped Audubon find many of the specimens you see in his pictures. Talks in the theater will bring the world and life of Audubon alive. Many more activities are planned for this day long celebration of the park.
March 19, 2022
Night Hike at Poverty Point
7:30pm
During the night hike, we'll be illuminating arachnids during a session of spider sniffing, call on owls during an owl prowl, and share stories from several Native American cultures around the campfire. If guests wish to roast marshmallows or prepare s'mores, please do bring your own items, but we will have roasting sticks on hand. Please call or email the site to register your group.
March 31, 2022
Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium
The symposium is in Port Aransas this year, and there will be a virtual option available. It features a 1-day research symposium and poster session. Free. More information
April 1-3, 2022
Rendezvous 2022: Statewide Master Naturalist Conference
@Pineville, LA
The Louisiana Master Naturalist Association's annual conference! See https://www.louisianamasternaturalist.org/rendezvous-2022.html for registration information.
April 8 - 9, 2022
BREC BioBlitz @Forest Community Park
Bring the family to Forest Community Park for two days of nature walks, educational activities and help BREC collect observations of wildlife and plantlife in the park. More information and registration: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/bioblitz
April 15 - 17, 2022
Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival
April 16, 2022
Bird Walk with a Ranger at Port Hudson
8:30am - 10:30am
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 us and spend some quality time in the woods. Age group 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend bring your own binoculars. Fee is $4.00 plus park admission.
April 18 - 24, 2022
Love the Boot Week
Love the Boot Week is dedicated to cleanup and beautification events in all 64 parishes across our great state. Together we can take positive steps to create a better life for all of us and protecting our state from litter. Learn how to organize your own event or volunteer for a scheduled event.
April 22 - 24, 2022
Louisiana Ornithological Society Spring Meeting
April 29 - May 2, 2022
City Nature Challenge
The Baton Rouge region 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 the iNaturalist app or at iNaturalist.org found in the 12 parish Baton Rouge region during the competition weekend. http://www.brnaturechallenge.org
May 7, 2022
Explore Nature
9:00am - 12:00pm
@PARDS North Park, Denham Springs
Explore Nature is an outdoor educational event hosted by the Purple Martin Conservation Initiative, and features nature and gardening groups who will be promoting the joy of activities centered around nature. Children’s activities and face painting will make this event fun for all ages. Upon arrival, children should stop at the Bookmobile to pick up a scavenger hunt paper because those that visit all the booths will receive a special surprise.
May 7, 2022
Woods Walk Series: Hooper Road Park
9:30am - 11:30am
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 the Woods Walk 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. Ages 8 and up. $5. To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #520210)