Louisiana Wetland Education Coalition
Current Events:
We are happy to announce the creation of a new listserve to meet the needs of educators interested in the Louisiana wetlands. An informal group called the Louisiana Wetland Education Coalition (LaWEC) has initiated this tool to help distribute materials and workshop information that are focused on wetlands information and are appropriate for the K-12 education forum (both informal and formal education).
If you would like to join the Louisiana Wetland Education Coalition listserve, sign up.
Photo of the Month:
Hurricane Rita 2005 - NOAA
Cool Resources:
WETLAND TOURS – Educational and Exciting
This is not just another swamp tour but an educational adventure into the marshes of southern Terrebonne Parish. Let Captain Wendy take you across a massive lake and into the serenity and splendor of a thriving freshwater marsh. As you travel miles of bayous and canals you will: .. View many varieties of wildlife in their natural habitats including waterfowl, wading birds, alligators, fish, and the infamous nutria. .. See first-hand the changing marsh and an experimental wetland restoration project. .. Experience the devastating loss of the disappearing wetlands of south Louisiana. Our goal at Wetland Tours is to introduce you to the beauty of our wetlands and to hopefully impress upon every visitor the importance of saving the wetlands.
Educational Tours are pre-arranged by reservation and can accommodate from 4-8 guests. The size of our boat provides an intimate tour and enables us to go places larger tour boats cannot. You will receive an interpretive presentation before departing the dock. These tours are perfect for teachers and students, families, or other small groups. The average tour time is two hours. We will provide drinking water. All tours leave from Falgout Canal Landing in Bayou DuLarge, Louisiana located just off La. Highway 315, 18 miles below Houma.
For more information, contact Contact Captain Wendy Billiot Bayou DuLarge, La 985-851-7578
Quote of the Month:
Joni Blanchard - photographer
Educator, Cally Chavin & the NRCS Earth Team volunteers help to reestablish the BTNEP / Port Fourchon Maritime-Forest ridge and marshland that protect the coast and provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife in southeast Louisiana. For more volunteer information, contact Joni Blanchard at joni@btnep.org or visit http://volunteer.btnep.org/default.asp?id=30
Organization of the Month:
Booker
Fowler Fish Hatchery Visitor Center
The Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery Visitors Center is a 4,300 square foot building boasting over 10,000 gallons of aquaria. Native Louisiana fish, reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans are displayed in the various aquaria in the Visitors Center. A 50-seat theater is located in the Visitors Center for Educational Programs. The Visitors Center is also home to extensive wall murals hand-painted by local artists Gene Dupuis and Paul Wallace. The murals depict natural Louisiana habitats in day, evening, and night settings.
A large pavilion with picnic tables is located behind the building for anyone wishing to bring a picnic lunch along for their visit to the hatchery. Groups of 10 or more (especially school groups) should schedule a tour with our Wildlife Educator, Angela Capello (318-748-6999).
http://www.wlf.state.la.us/experience/aquaticlife/fishhatchery/visitorcenter/
If you would like to submit nominations for “Quote of the Month,” “Photo of the Month,” “Cool Resource,” or “Organization of the Month,” please email heidi_hitter@usgs.gov with the information and any necessary reference material.
[The Current Contact is Dave Marks at lacoast@nwrccom.cr.usgs.gov or (337) 266-8623. -Webmaster]