***Registration is required for this event! Register here:
https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3070 ***
The Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station provides field trips two days per week during selected week days for community groups interested in the history, science, and human culture of the wetlands in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. All groups meet at our Turtle Cove Boatshed/Classroom Facility in Manchac, LA. Timeframes for the entire trip are somewhat variable, but most groups follow our standard generic timeframe range of approximately 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The age minimum is 9 years old and the field trip is not limited to school-aged groups.
All groups are led by Turtle Cove staff (Education Coordinator, Manager, Caretaker, and/or graduate assistants). A centerpiece of most all of our field trips is the pontoon boat ride down Pass Manchac, which is provided by a covered 40’ x 12’ commercial-grade pontoon touring boat.
Subject areas discussed through lecture and visual observation include: natural history of the physical environment; environmental history (social, economic, and cultural aspects); impacts of cypress deforestation and ecosystem restoration; and physical and socioeconomic impacts of and solutions to wetland loss and coastal erosion. Groups may expect to see a variety of flora and fauna, including alligators, snakes, birds, mammals, fish, and invertebrates.
In addition to Pelican Park Nature Club's Waiver of Liability, field trip attendees will be required to sign a Turtle Cove Liability Waiver when they arrive for the field trip.
Time Frame: approx. 3 - 3.5 hours (9:00/9:30 am - 12:30 pm)
This field trip consists of the following activities and is provided with a generic time-line schedule of activities. All groups should bring their own drinking water, proper clothing for weather conditions, sunscreen, hats, etc.
9:15-9:30am Group Arrives at Turtle Cove Boatshed/Classroom Complex at Galva Canal in Manchac, LA//Bathroom break (only one bathroom at boatshed)//Orientation of Facilities
9:30-10:15 Introductory PowerPoint Lecture on the Overview of Turtle Cove and the Historical and Holistic Impacts of Wetland Loss in Coastal Louisiana
10:15-11:15 Pontoon boat ride down Pass Manchac to Lake Pontchartrain (if time/conditions allow) then to Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station w/continued discussion on wetland issues
11:15-12:00 Guided boardwalk tour (including dip-netting) behind Turtle Cove. Group may eat lunch on picnic tables there or on boardwalk (4 bathrooms available at Turtle Cove).
12:00-12:30 Pontoon boat ride back to Galva Canal Boatshed (our grad students usually need to be back to Galva Canal boatshed to make 1:00 pm classes on campus in Hammond)
12:30/1:00pm Wrap-Up and Depart
WHAT TO BRING ON THE FIELD TRIP
Among other necessary items, remember to bring your own water, food, and mosquito spray and to dress appropriately for the weather (hat/sunscreen for hot; jacket for cold). While on the pontoon boat, children age 15 and younger must wear life jackets. Everyone wears life jackets while in canoes and other vessels. Alcohol, smoking, and behavior detracting from a safe and meaningful educational experience are prohibited
Directions to Turtle Cove Boatshed: (87 Alligator Lane, Akers, LA 70421)
1. From New Orleans/LaPlace, travel north on Interstate-55. From Baton Rouge or Hammond, travel south on I-55.
2. From I-55, take Exit 15 toward Manchac.
3. Turn right (south) onto Hwy 51—also noted on a sign there as “Frontage Road.” Pass Middendorf’s Restaurant on your left.
4. Cross the bridge over Pass Manchac, taking you to the south side of the Pass.
5. After the bridge, travel about 1/4 of a mile and turn left onto an asphalt road that crosses over the railroad tracks (it’s the second left possible)—there are green road signs on each side of HWY 51 there stating “Southeastern Turtle Cove ERS.”
6. Stop and look both ways as you approach and cross the railroad tracks!!!
7. After crossing the tracks, turn right immediately. This road curves and takes you to a yellow iron-pipe gate, which should be open when you arrive.
8. Enter into the Manchac Wildlife Management Area/Southeastern Turtle Cove Boat Shed Area at Galva Canal.
9. Continue 100 yards from the gate until you come to Southeastern/Turtle Cove section of the property marked with green “Parking” signs in front of the boat shed. Overflow parking is against the marsh still further right.
***Registration is required for this event! Register here:
https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3070 ***
You may also like the following events from Pelican Nature Club - Pelican Park Adventures:
Also check out other
Workshops in Akers,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Akers.
|
