Louisiana Garden Club Federation
_November. 2008 State Parks, Calendar of Events_
Roxy Chanslor
 
Sportsman’s Paradise

Nov. 1, Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield - Confederate Women: Beyond the Petticoat, 2 p.m. Confederate women were unfaltering in running their farms, their families and even hospitals while their men fought during the Civil War. This program takes a look at the many varied roles cast upon Confederate women, beyond the petticoat. For more information call 888-677-6267 toll free or 872-1474 locally.

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield - Guided Battlefield Tour, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. This Ranger-led tour will cover the major points of the Mansfield battlefield. Stops will include Honeycutt Hill, where Nim’s battery and the 67th Indiana regiment were posted, the area held by the 77th Illinois near the picnic area and the area where Mouton’s Division struck the Union line. For more information call 888-677-6267 toll free or 872-1474 locally.

Nov. 8, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline - Bayou Pots, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. A Dutch oven cooking group will hold monthly meetings at the Rally Center on the second Saturday of each month. They will do cooking demonstrations and instruction for anyone wishing to participate. For more information call 888-677-2478 toll free or 745-3503 locally.

Nov. 8, Poverty Point State Historic Site, Epps - Nature Night Hike, dusk. Rangers will guide visitors along the paths of Poverty Point at dusk to observe nature. The 1.5 mile will conclude with hot chocolate and storytelling around a campfire. Dress warmly and bring along the entire family for a great evening of simple fun. For more information call 888-926-5492 toll free or 926-5492 locally.

Nov. 9, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline - Mountain Bike Race, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Louisiana Off-road Cyclists Organization will host this spirited competition for mountain bikers. This will be a 12-hour endurance race on park trails beginning at the Rally Center. For more information call 888-677-2478 toll free or 745-3503 locally.

Nov. 15, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline - Teacher’s workshop, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. A teacher's continuing education workshop hosted by Sci-port, in conjunction with area school boards, focusing on ecosystems and aqua systems around the park.  The workshops will be conducted in the Nature Center. For more information call 888-677-2478 toll free or 745-3503 locally.

Nov. 22, Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield - Louisiana Burning, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. This talk will center on the destruction of civilian property that took place during the Red River Campaign. The talk will begin at the Battle of Mansfield and will cover the trail of destruction between Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. For more information call 888-677-6267 toll free or 872-1474 locally.

Crossroads

Upon request, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many - Cooking Demonstration, 10 a.m. The site provides cooking demonstrations upon request from individuals, school groups, civic clubs and other interested parties. Any requested cooking demonstration are integrated into the daily historic tours of the museum located in the replicated Officer’s Quarters and the renovated original Army kitchen. For more information call 888-677-5278 toll free and 256-4117 locally.

Daily, Rebel State Historic Site, Marthaville - Listening Library, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Listening Library at Rebel State Historic Site is a collection of books, films and musical recordings that tell the story of Country music. Visitors can listen to country recordings and access tons of information about the roots of Country music. For more information call 888-677-3600 toll free or 472-6255 locally.

Nov., Los Adaes State Historic Site, Robeline - Gardens, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Historical and archaeological information paint a picture of many different kinds of gardens at Los Adaes during its history. Staff will lie out, construct and maintain two raised vegetable garden bed. They will also construct raised ornamental beds and containers to grow roses and citrus plants. For more information call 888-677-5378 toll free or 472-9449 locally.

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco—Feeding the Birds and Squirrels, 9:30 a.m. Children are invited to help feed the birds and squirrels at the Visitor Center. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9075 locally.

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco—Nature Walk, 10 a.m. Visitors can experience a wake-up walk each morning from the Visitor Center to the Walking Bridge. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9075 locally.

Saturdays, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many - Weekly Tours/Hikes, 9 a.m. Every Saturday morning guided tours and/or hikes will be available, led by costumed Interpreters. Guided hikes will meander through he natural beauty of Fort Jesup’s twenty-two acres. Visitors will be able to glimpse into the diversity of tree, bird and plant species located at the site. For more information call 888-677-5378 toll free or 356-4117 locally.

Saturdays, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco—Bald Eagle’s Nest Hike, 9 a.m.

Visitors are invited to hike to the Bald Eagle’s Nest, learn about the history of Sabine River and surrounding area. Trees, birds, and other interesting information will be given. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9075 locally.

Last Saturday of each month, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco—Fishing 101, 2 p.m. Children and adults are invited to test their skill at fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9075 locally.

Nov. 1, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many - Hysterical for Bugs, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Come learn about the many creepy crawlers that surround us everyday. For more information call 888-677-5378 toll free or 256-4117 locally.

Nov. 1, Los Adaes State Historic Site, Robeline - Cuera, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The soldiers at Los Adaes were “Soldado de Cuera,” soldiers of the leather jacket. The cuera was made of layers of hide, quilted. Participants will make a replica cuera in the traditional fashion, representative of the efforts of the Spanish Soldado. For more information call 888-677-5378 toll free or 472-9449 locally.

Nov. 1-31, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches - November Living History, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Visitors can experience the 18th century as park staff reenact a variety of 18th century activities, including cooking, baking soap, sewing, period maintenance and repair, hide tanning and musket and cannon firing. Activities vary each day. For more information call 888-677-7853 toll free or 357-3101 locally.

Nov. 1, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien - Paper Making with plants and weeds, 10:30 a.m. Make beautiful paper for all occasions and incorporate plant material. Dried and pressed weeds and wild flowers are a wonderful addition to the paper making process. Each participate will make a sheet of paper to be used in one of several projects that will be demonstrated. For more information call 800-354-3523 toll free or 586-4020 locally.
 
Nov. 1, South Toledo Bend State Park, Epps - Door Hangers, 2 p.m. Children are given the opportunity to learn about various animals that are native to our area, i.e. alligators, birds, snakes, etc. At the end of the Nature Lesson, the children will complete door hangers as a reminder of what they learned in the lesson. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 2 & 21, South Toledo Bend State Park, Epps - Book Mark, 2 p.m. Children will be given the opportunity to read and browse through the nature books on display at the Visitor Center. They will be guided through some of the books in order to find the answer to several nature questions, i.e. how do birds take a bath? How do pigs take a bath? How does littering harm wildlife? For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 3, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Pretend Masks, 2 p.m. Children will learn how some animals, insects, and reptiles are able to camouflage themselves for protection from predators in their natural habitat. Children can then decorate a mask resembling their favorite animal to demonstrate what they have learned about camouflage. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 8, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many - Cane Pole Fishing, 9 a.m. Fort Jesup invites participants of all ages to try their hand at cane pole fishing in the same way as the soldiers of the frontier might have caught their dinner. Can poles and bait will be made available to all participants. For more information call 888-677-5278 toll free and 256-4117 locally.

Nov. 8, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches - French Marine Garrison Duty, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. On the second Saturday of each month, Fort St Jean Baptiste State Historic Site will present a special program focusing on the daily life of the French Marines assigned to the fort garrison during the 1750s. Topics will vary each month, covering weapons, drill, duty assignments, trade and various skills, as well as leisure activities. For information please call 888-677-7853 toll free or 357-3101 locally.

Nov. 8 & 15, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien - Natural Fall Arrangements, 10:30 a.m. Learn to make a beautiful fall arrangement for you Thanksgiving table. Best of all, everything you use will come from your yard or local woods. For more information call 800-354-3523 toll free or 586-4020 locally.

Nov. 9 & 28, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Story Time, 2 p.m. Children are invited to enjoy story time from various nature books located in the Library section of the Visitor’s Center. The Interpretive Ranger will read books to children and/or children will browse/read books on their own that are made available concerning nature. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 13 & 14, Marksville State Historic Site, Marksville - Native American Days, 9:30 a.m.- NOON. This program is our bi-annual three-day event for school children, where they can get a glimpse of ancient Native American culture. There will be 8 interpretive stations that will provide hands-on activities in pottery making, native plants, atl-atl dart throwing, and palmetto hut building. School groups are free; pre-registration is required. For more information call 888-253-8954 toll free or 253-8954 locally.

Nov. 14, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Animal Magnets, 2 p.m. A Nature Lesson will be taught on turtles, their characteristics, habitat, etc. Turtle shells are on display in the exhibits of the Visitor Center for children to examine and learn from hand-on experiences. Children will then make animal magnets to use as a reminder of their experiences in the park as well as what they learned from their Nature Lesson. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 15, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Nature’s Temperature, 2 p.m. Children will be taught about heat as well as the cold and how it affects wildlife and plants. The children will then enjoy decorating either an indoor flower thermometer or an outdoor frog thermometer. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 15, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many - Zachary Taylor Day, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. In celebration of the 224th birthday of Zachary Taylor, our 12th president and first commander of Fort Jesup, visitors can witness the preparation of a Thanksgiving Feast in the Old Army Kitchen. On the bottom floor of the museum, ongoing discussions of President Taylor’s life and accomplishments will revolve around the display honoring him. Meanwhile, the second floor exhibit area of the museum will be a dining area, reflecting the table setting of an Officer’s Mess during holiday. For more information call 888-677-5278 toll free and 256-4117 locally.

Nov. 16 & 29, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Framing Children, 2 p.m. Children will have their pictures taken, printed and then prepare picture frames as a memento of their experiences at the park. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 22, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien - Nature’s Ornaments, 10:30 a.m. This program is designed around several projects for Christmas ornaments that are all nature based. We will make unique ornaments from Mother Nature’s finest materials. For more information call 800-354-3523 toll free or 586-4020 locally.

Nov. 23, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Nature Pictures, 2 p.m. Children are encouraged to study about various animals, insects, and wildflowers found in nature. They then will be able to color pictures of the various creatures/flowers that they have learned about. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 25, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Christmas Decorations, 2 p.m. Children will make Christmas decorations from pine cones and other natural things found in the Park. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 26, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Faux-Raku Bird Feeders. 2 p.m. Children will be given the opportunity to learn about the various birds and their feeding habits that are in your area. The Nature Lesson will also include what to feed the various birds and the best location for the feeders in order to attract the most birds. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 27, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco - Homes for the Birds, 2 p.m. Children will be taught about the different birds and their habitat. They will then paint and decorate different styles of birdhouses and learn the best place to hang them. For more information call 888-398-4770 toll free or 286-9079 locally.

Nov. 29, Marksville State Historic Site, Marksville  - Cornhusk Dolls, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. With this program, participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at making Cornhusk dolls. An instructor will provide knowledge on the history of cornhusk dolls while demonstrating how to make one. For more information call 888-253-8954 toll free or 253-8954 locally.

Cajun Country

Saturdays, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Vivre la Difference, 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. Learn the many differences between the Acadian and the French Creoles of Louisiana’s colonial period. Costumed guides will lead a guided walk through the home of an Acadian settler and the home of a Creole sugar planter. For more information call 888-677-2900 toll free or 394-3754 locally.

Nov. 1, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Guided Hike, 2 p.m. Join us for a guided walk along the arboretum trails. Visitors will learn about the flora and fauna found in the arboretum. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.
 
Nov. 1, Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - From Tree to Paper, 2 p.m. Join us at the Nature Center as we discover all the ways that we use trees in our everyday life. Participants will also get to make their own piece of recycled paper! For more information call 888-677-7264 toll free or 855-4270 locally.

Nov. 8, Chicot State Park, Ville Platte - 7th Annual Trash Bash, 9 a.m.- NOON. Volunteers are invited to help clean up the shores of Chicot Lake and the roadsides in and around the park. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 8, Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - 8th Annual Fall Fest, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. This day-long event offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Local artisans, food, a Kid’s Corner, hayrides, Pumpkin Bowling, live music and storytelling are just a few of the delights that will be at this year’s event. For more information call 888-677-7264 toll free or 855-4270 locally.

Nov. 15, Chicot State Park, Ville Platte - Louisiana Waterfowl, 5:30 p.m. Join the site naturalist for a slide show featuring the various waterfowl inhabiting and migrating through Louisiana. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 15, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Children’s Hour, 10 a.m. Children will learn about a new nature topic each month and will make a related craft to take home. Topics could include spring, reptiles, astronomy, insects and many more. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 15, Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - Harvest Crafts, 2 p.m. Come celebrate the harvest season with us at the Nature Center as we make autumn crafts from natural and recycled materials. For more information call 888-677-7264 toll free or 855-4270 locally.

Nov. 22, Chicot State Park, Ville Platte - Pontoon Boat Tour, 10 a.m. While on the boat tour, visitors will learn about the history of the Chicot Lake and also about the various plants and animals that call it home. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 22, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Pine Needle Basketry, 1 - 4 p.m. Participants will learn how to make a pine needle basket. Materials are provided. Space is limited to pre-registration is required. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 22, Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - Long Leaf Pine Hike, 10 a.m. Meet us at the kiosk at the trailhead to go on a 3.5 mile guided hike through river bottom woodlands and long leaf pine habitats. We will look for animals and plants specific to these habitats and will discuss the benefits of using controlled burn forest restoration. For more information call 888-677-7264 toll free or 855-4270 locally.

Nov. 29, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Native Plant Teatime, 2 p.m. Join the site naturalist to learn about the native plants that can be used to make tea. Samples will be available for tasting. For more information call 888-677-6100 toll free or 363-6289 locally.

Nov. 29, Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - For the Birds, 2 p.m. Join us at the Nature Center to observe the wildlife at feeders here and make take-home treats for our feathered and furred friends to invite them to your yard and help them through the winter months ahead. For more information call 888-677-7264 toll free or 855-4270 locally.

Plantation Country

Fridays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Nature at Night, 7 p.m. Come explore the world at night with a hike or activity. Participants should meet at the Nature Center. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Saturdays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Amazing Animal Videos, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. These videos, featuring an animated lizard, are appropriate for children and last 25 minutes. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Saturdays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Live Animal Presentation, 1:30 p.m. Join a ranger for a presentation about local and exotic wildlife using live animal examples. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Saturdays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Wildlife Crafts for Kids, 11 a.m. Stop by the nature center to make a take home craft. For children 4 and up. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Saturdays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Eyewitness Video, 12:30 p.m. These nature videos are appropriate for older children and adults. Each lasts about 35 minutes. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Saturdays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Wildlife Theatre, 3 p.m. Come challenge your friends to a Karaoke competition and try to become the next “Tickfaw Idol.” For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Sundays, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield - Backyard Habitats for Wildlife, 11 a.m. Stop by the Nature Center to learn how to give wildlife a helping hand right in your own backyard. For more information call 888-981-2020 toll free or 294-2218 locally.

Nov. 1, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Plantation Arts of the 19th Century, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Staff and volunteers will present a demonstration of various historic 19th century crafts, such as woodworking, leather crafting, spinning, calligraphy, candle making, etc

Nov. 1, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Historic Down-Hearth Cooking, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Demonstrations of 19th century down-hearth cooking, using 19th century recipes and reproduction cooking equipment. Featured recipes will be taken from the historic Turnbull-Bowman Family Papers. For more information call 888-376-1867 toll free or 653-3110 locally.   

Nov. 2, Centenary State Historic Site, Jackson - Bite the Bullet: A Look at Civil War Medicine, 4 p.m. This program focuses on the methods and instruments used by the Civil War era doctor. A staff member will explain the everyday life of a military doctor and their patients. For more information call 888-677-2364 toll free or 634-7925 locally.

Nov. 2, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Zachary - Port Hudson’s Veteran’s Day Salute, 1 - 3 p.m. This program will be held in conjunction with the Sunday, Nov. 2 Firepower demonstrations. The park’s reproduction American garrison flag will be raised at 1 p.m. at the beginning of the program. Entrance fees will be waived for veterans and their families. For more information call 888-677-3400 toll free or 654-3775 locally.

Nov. 7, Centenary State Historic Site, Jackson - Centenary School Day, 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Centenary SHS will hold a day program designated just for school groups to come and experience educational demonstrations and talks on the various aspects of life during the 1800s. For more information call 888-677-2364 toll free or 634-7925 locally.

Nov. 7, Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, Plaquemine - Experience Atchafalaya Home School Day, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Home School Groups are welcome to experience the life, nature, culture and historic of the Atchafalaya Basin in this one-day program celebrating the nation’s larges river swamp. For more information call 877-987-7158 toll free or 687-7158 locally.

Nov. 8, Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - The Weaving Room, 2 - 4 p.m. This program centers on the work required on a plantation to provide the thread and cloth utilized by the house and the inhabitants. There will be a demonstration and talk about the use of the plantations original weaving loom. For more information call 888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 locally.

Nov. 8, Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - The Spinning Wheel, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. This program centers on the work required on a plantation to provide the thread and cloth utilized by the house and its inhabitants. There will be a demonstration of spinning on the spinning wheel along with how the wool and cotton are prepared. For more information call 888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 locally.

Nov. 9, Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, Plaquemine - Veterans Day Remembrance, 2 - 3 p.m. The site will partner with the Iberville Museum for this special program honoring all veterans. The event will feature an invocation, patriotic music, guest speakers and more. For more information call 877-987-7158 toll free or 687-7158 locally.

Nov. 15, Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Colonial Crafts Day, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. These interactive demonstrations allow the visitors to experience first hand the crafts needed to make a plantation successful. Included will be soap, candles, baskets, spinning, natural dyes and many more interactive stations. For more information call 888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 locally.

Nov. 15, Centenary State Historic Site, Jackson - Tickling the Ivory, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Visitors on tour will be treated to period music played on Centenary’s 1860s Chickering piano. The music will consist of classical pieces and former Centenary College Professor of Music, Armand E. Blackmar, and his music’s effect on the Civil War will be discussed. For more information call 888-677-2364 toll free or 634-7925 locally.

Nov. 15, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Fall Bird Week, 10 a.m.- NOON. Program will consist of a guided tour throughout selected areas of the grounds/gardens to view birds on site. Local ornithologist Millie Broussard will discuss the various birds of the area, their characteristics, habits, habitats and seasonal patterns. For more information call 888-376-1867 toll free or 653-3110 locally.   

Nov. 15, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Lost Arts: Down-Hearth Cooking, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Demonstrations of the “Lost Arts” of the 19th century occurring every third Saturday of each month. For more information call 888-376-1867 toll free or 635-3110 locally.

Nov. 15-16, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Zachary - Scout Days, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. All scouts will be invited to come to the park to earn either the Port Hudson Historic Trail or the Port Hudson Nature Trail patches. A Civil War camp site will be set up to allow scouts to see what camp life was like for the Civil War soldiers in the 1860s. To earn the trail patch awards, scouts are required to answer the question booklet handed out by the Interpretive Ranger. For more information call 888-677-3400 toll free or 654-3775 locally.

Nov. 20, Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, Plaquemine - How Sweet It Is, 10 a.m.- NOON. Learn about South Louisiana’s king crop, Sugar Cane. Participants will learn how the crop is planted, harvested and refined. Past, present and future production techniques will be discussed. For more information call 877-987-7158 toll free or 687-7158 locally.

Nov. 24-30, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Zachary - Fall Foliage Week, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. During the Thanksgiving holiday week, it is a great time to enjoy the beauty that Port Hudson possesses. The woods are packed full of indigenous creatures and beautiful plants. Visitors will see terrain that is very unique to this area and unlike any other terrain around. For more information call 888-677-3400 toll free or 654-3775 locally.

Greater New Orleans

As requested, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Adopt a Tree.  Participants are given the opportunity to see the life of a tree over a given period of time. They will choose a tree to adopt, tie a string around the trunk to check the size of the tree, and record it in their journals. The students are asked to visit the tree often, recording any changes in vegetation or animal life. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 1, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Ranger-led Nature Trail Walk, 10 a.m. The Interpretive Ranger will lead participants on Fontainebleau State Park’s nature trail. The ranger will identify the flora and fauna encountered on the trail, and discuss some of the “fun” facts about the plants on the nature trails. For more information call 1-888-677-3668 toll free or 985-624-4442 locally.
 
Nov. 1, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Nature Hayride, 1 p.m. Take a hayride to identify and learn about flora and fauna, with emphasis on poisonous plants. Join the site ranger at the Sugar Mill Ruins where you will board the hayride for a relaxing ride into the nature of Fontainebleau State Park. All children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pets will not be allowed on the hayride. Hayrides will be cancelled by active rain. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 1, Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Park Hike, 9 - 11 a.m. Join the park Interpretive Ranger in a casual walk through Bayou Segnette State Park and learn about the wetlands, wildlife and a little history about the park. For more information call 888-677-2296 toll free or 736-7155 locally.

Nov. 1, Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Nature Station, 1 p.m. Various replica skulls, claws, scat and other proofs of the life within the park will serve as learning aides as the interpretive ranger discusses scientific classification of mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. For more information call 888-677-3247 toll free or 792-4652 locally.

Nov. 1, 8, 22 & 29, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Primitive Woodworking, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This program features the use of a froe for splitting wood and the use of a shaving horse and drawknives to make wooden objects such as spoons, paddles, canes and tool handles. Equipment will be provided for all participants. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 1, 8, 22 & 29, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Wake up the Marsh, 8 - 9:30 a.m. Participants will hike with an interpretive ranger to the East Marsh Boardwalk and observe the morning activity of wild life. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Nature: A Closer Look, 9 - 10:30 a.m. Participants will hike with an Interpretive Ranger along the nature trail for a more observant look at the natural world. The ranger will discuss information from the tallest trees to the smallest spiders and everything in between. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 2 & 16, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Survivor Series, 11 a.m. Meet with the site ranger at the Interpretive camp Site to discuss helpful tips for survival situations. Foraging for food, fire starting, shelter construction and mental fortitude will all be discussed. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 8, Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Bird Watching, 8 - 10 a.m. Join us on a casual walk through the park while finding and identifying the various species of birds that live and visit the park. Binoculars are available on a first come first serve basis. For more information call 888-677-2296 toll free or 736-7155 locally.

Nov. 8, Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Introduction to camping, 10 a.m.- NOON. Join with the park Interpretive Ranger in learning some basics for tent camping. Learn how to set up a tent, build a fire and other useful tips for the beginner camper. For more information call 888-677-2296 toll free or 736-7155 locally.

Nov. 8, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Explore the Shore, 1 p.m. Participants will meet the site ranger at the west end of the beach in the day-use area, where the marsh and the wooded area will be explored to discover the bio-diversity of plant and animal life found there. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.
 
Nov. 8, 15, 21, 22 & 29, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Nocturnal Hayrides, 6 p.m. View, with the aid of a powerful spotlight, some of the local nocturnal wildlife from the "comfort" of a hay-filled trailer. The trailer will accommodate up to 20 - seated adults; reservations are required. All children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 9 & 23, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Pond Life, 2 p.m. Meet with the site ranger at the fishing pond near the beach. Participants will use scoop nets to collect different types of aquatic wildlife. Collected species will be identified and released. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 9 & 23, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Skulls and Bones, 11 a.m. Meet with the site ranger to discuss the bone structure of a variety of different animals. This is a hands-on experience to learn about the benefits and differences of an animal’s skeletal system. All of the examples are inhabitants of Fontainebleau State Park. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 13, Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Time Traveler Day, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. The interactive program will allow local area school students to experience the lifestyle and industry of the 1885-1930 time span. Stations will include: The Town Blacksmith, What Did They Wear?, Granny’s Pantry, Wash Day Monday, Games and Pastimes, Logging Yellow Pine, Communication/visiting and letter writing and a full Otis House guided tour. For more information call 888-677-3247 toll free or 792-4652 locally.

Nov. 15, Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Birds beaks and bills, 10 - 11 a.m. Explore the different shapes and sizes of bird beaks/bills and the purpose and adaptations of each. For more information call 888-677-2296 toll free or 736-7155 locally

Nov. 15, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Can I Eat That?  2 p.m. Join the site ranger for a hike focusing on the edibility of plants that can be found along the nature trail. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 15, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Butter Churning, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.  Visitors can observe and participate in the activity of churning butter in a stoneware church with a dasher and observe the use of a tabletop, crank operated Daisey churn. The butter will then be salted and small portions will be mixed with various herbs and other ingredients like garlic and chives and served on slices of French bread. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.

Nov. 22, Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Thanksgiving theme craft, 10- 11 a.m. Join the park Interpretive Ranger in completing a Thanksgiving theme craft. For more information call 888-677-2296 toll free or 736-7155 locally.

Nov. 30, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Camouflage: Nature’s Best Defense, 11 a.m. Meet with the site ranger at the Interpretive Center to discuss the different forms of camouflage utilized by both predator and prey. Learn how animals use disguise, mimicry, and ambush to survive. For more information call 888-677-3668 toll free or 624-4442 locally.