OAK – Kickoff and Nature Station Hike
Acadiana Park Nature Station 1205 E. Alexander St., Lafayette, LA, United StatesTime for 2024 family fun! We will hike the trails at the Nature Station, looking for plants and animals to journal about.
Permaculture 101
Atelier de la Nature 1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, LA**Not an AMN event, but counts for continuing ed hours!** Join us on Saturday February 17 from 1-3pm for an engaging and informative experience remediating a small piece of compacted clay soil using permaculture principles. Whether creating an abundant garden or rehabilitating an ecosystem, you’re going to need healthy soil. We all know there is no shortage of compacted degraded soil in south Louisiana. Join us on Saturday January 17, 1-3pm, with Brock Barker for an engaging and informative experience remediating a small piece of compacted clay soil at Atelier de la Nature. We will discuss and demonstrate methods of reducing compaction, increasing organic matter, allying with soil microbiology, and using principals of ecological succession to aid in the recovery of degraded soil. Understanding and implementing a few simple methods will have our gardens and wildlife habitats flourishing in a snap. About Brock Barker: Brock Barker was raised as an outdoorsman in the marshes and forests of south Louisiana, where he developed a love for the natural world, especially plants. Having studied horticulture at university, he has worked a myriad of plant related jobs including nurseries, landscaping, a horticultural therapy program, teaching permaculture design courses, and is currently working as a consulting arborist. Brock’s biggest project for the last 16 years has been developing a 10 acre homestead which serves as personal garden of Eden and educational space for numerous volunteers and workshops. Brock’s formal education in horticulture mixed with years of homesteading experience make his classes and workshops an insightful and fun experience. THIS EVENT IS FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
“Le Bleu Perdu/ The Lost Blue Indigo” Symposium
Atelier de la Nature 1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, LA**NOT an AMN Event, but counts for continuing education hours!** Join Atelier de la Nature for a 2-day symposium on the “lost” art, science and culture of Indigo. Here we will "re-learn" lost knowledge of the art and science of indigo as we restore lost and endangered Cajun prairie habitat through talks, readings, and hands-on activities. Activities to include: Talks on the history of the Native American use of indigenous indigo species, plantation indigo production in Acadiana, native prairie and grassland habitats discussion and planting, indigo dying demo, histological tissue staining demo, literary readings and more. Free and open to all ages but seating is limited, and registration required here: Lunch will be provided. Saturday March 9 9:30-10 Breakfast 10-10:15 Opening remarks Aurore and Brandon Ballengée 10:15-11:00 "Tangled up in Blue: The complex socio-cultural dimensions of indigo" presentation by Dr. Sarah Franzen 11-11:45 “Creating the Blue Hue in Colonial Louisiana” presentation by Dr. C. Ray Brassieur 11:45-12:15 "The Road to Indigo" reading by Sandra Sarr, with accompanying music by Alex Cook 12:15-1 Lunch 1-1:30 The importance of blue to the Coco Tribe of Canneci Tinne with Chief Kugr Goodbear& LouAnne Moses 1:30-3:00 Indigo dying workshop with Ellie Barker Sunday March 10 9:30-10 Breakfast 10-10:15 Opening remarks 10:15- 12 "The lost science of indigo in histological staining demo and presentation" with Dr. Brooke Dubansky and Dr. Ben Dubansky 12-12:30 Lunch 12:30-2 Bringing back lost prairies presentation and planting with Dr. Phyllis Griffard 2-3 Indigo seeding workshop, root demo and prairie burn discussion with Matthew Herron Speakers and activity leaders will include: Dr. C. Ray Brassieur, Department of Anthropology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Dr. Brooke Hopkins Dubansky, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences Dr. Benjamin Dubansky, Ph.D.; Louisiana State University, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Office of Economic Development. Developmental, LLC Dr. Sarah Franzen, Department of Geography and Anthropology and an Affiliated Faculty in
OAK – Native Plants Are Fun!
Acadiana Native Plant Project Greenhouse 1046 Main Hwy, Arnaudville, LA, United StatesLearn about native plants and animals from the Acadiana Native Plant Project. We will do fun activities and find out why native is better where plants are concerned. And, each child will pot a native plant to take home!
Fête de la Nature – BioBlitz and Lunch Benefit 2024
Atelier de la Nature 1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, LA**Not an AMN event, but counts for continuing ed (or volunteer) hours!** Join us for FREE a family-friendly event to celebrate Acadiana’s special natural surroundings, through art, music, food and science. This event will feature a performance by Lake Charles based Wayne Singleton and Same Ol' 2 Step. Throughout the day scientists will be leading an open-to-the-public BioBlitz to search for every species of bird, reptile, insect, plant, fungus and more living at the Atelier de la Nature! A benefit lunch will be run by Chef Colt Patin of the Culinary Institute of Baton Rouge, his students, and Scouts Troop 174. Food will be sold at the event with proceeds will help fund Atelier de la Nature’s youth education programs. FREE EVENT BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at . Lunch and beverages will be sold at the event (card and cash accepted). Event schedule: 6-8 AM Birds 8-10 AM Arthropods 10-12 Amphibians, Reptiles & Fishes 12-2 Music and lunch 2-4 Plants and Fungus 4-5 Mammals 5-8 set up tents and dinner break (bring your own) 8-onwards: Nocturnal insects, bats, bonfire and camping This event is FREE but please register by getting a GENERAL ADMISSION ticket at . Multilingual accessibility (French/Spanish/English). Please contact us for other accessibility requests. In partnership with Cycle Zydeco
OAK – Bioblitz at Atelier de la Nature
Atelier de la Nature 1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, LAJoin the Outdoor Nature Kids as we assist scientists in a day of searching for species of Amphibians and Reptiles at Atelier de la Nature. Oak participants will assist Pete Warney, an Herpetologist in an Herping adventure, searching for all things that slither and slide. Once we have helped the scientist catalog species, we will break off for a picnic and regroup for more hunts as we embark on a scavenger hunt to see what other creatures we can find! Meet us at the OAK Flag under the Acadiana Master Naturalist Tent by 9:30am to prepare for the day!
OAK – Birding at Lake Martin with Patti Holland
Take a walk with OAK at the beautiful Lake Martin while local expert Patti Holland guides us on birdwatching. Lake Martin is one of the state's largest nesting sites for water birds. Many species of waterbirds can be found year round. Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, White Ibis and Roseate Spoonbill are some of the many species that can be spotted from along the edges of Lake Martin. Many other species also share the Lake, so be observant and you may find reptiles and amphibians, like snakes, frogs, turtles and even alligators! * Supplies to bring: Water, a snack and binoculars if you have a pair.
OAK – Chicot State Park Arboretum Guided Hike
Louisiana State Arboretum 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA, United StatesThe Outdoor Nature Kids will begin our journey at the Chicot State Park Arboretum visitor center where we will see and read about native Animals, plants and the geology of this 600 acre site. Once we have observed examples inside, we will embark on a 1.5 mile hike through the woods, where we will observe first hand in Nature the wonderful things this unique location gives home to. To learn more about the Arboretum visit their site : https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/louisiana-state-arboretum * Supplies to bring: Water and snacks
AMN Annual Meeting
LPL South Regional Library 6101 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA, United States**FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!** How local IS local? Join the discussion on June 27th for Conservation Genetics with Christina Calcaterra! Event Schedule: 5:30 PM: Annual Membership Meeting and Announcements6:00 PM: Lecture by Christina Calcaterra About the Speaker: Christina Calcaterra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in botany. From her early studies at the University of Minnesota where she studied plant ID on the prairies and oak savannas to her current role at Fort Johnson as a botanist, Christina has dedicated her career to understanding and conserving plant diversity. Presentation Highlights: Discover the role of genetic diversity in conservation and why it matters. Understand how to maintain local genetic integrity in your garden. Learn practical tips for promoting native plants in your landscape, and find the most responsible sources for native plants. Don’t miss this chance to learn from an expert and engage with fellow nature enthusiasts. See you there!
OAK – Kisatchie National Forest and Bayou Guided Hike
Kisatchie National Forest Provencal, LA, United StatesRetreat to the forest with OAK to enjoy a 1.5 mile hike in Kisatchie National Forest. We will hike the Longleaf Trail, looping through a variety of forest settings. We will observe meadows and bottomland hardwoods, a high mesa and a creek. This hike will loop and lead us back to our cars, where we will take a short drive to explore and experience the cool waters of Kisatchie Bayou. With an opportunity to picnic, we can also enjoy a cool off in the water. Meeting Location and Time: 9am Northside Lowes Arrive at the Longleaf trail by 10:30 Arrive at Kisatchie Bayou by 12pm Picnic and play, depart at 2 * Supplies needed, water, snacks, a picnic lunch for your family and bug spray. Swimwear and towels are optional for creek swimming. For more information about Kisatchie National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kisatchie/recarea/?recid=34827
Member Night Hike
Acadiana Park Nature Station 1205 E. Alexander St., Lafayette, LA, United StatesExplore nature at night at our Member & Volunteer Night Hike. It's time to practice your owl calls and test your ability to identify frog sounds. Bring your flashlights, headlamps, and gear to the Acadiana Park Nature Station for a member and volunteer night hike. This is a time for us to learn together and enjoy some time as a group again. This event is open to: - The 2024 Cohort - Any active members in good standing (paid dues) - A plus one accompanied by a member - A volunteer who has done a presentation or workshop within the last two years - Members of other state chapters that are in good standing -Meet in the tree canopy at the Acadiana Park Nature Station This workshop will be led by Kyle Patton, Curator of Natural Science at the nature station. Kyle will do a short presentation on nocturnal life in the tree canopy, followed by a night hike. If you have not renewed your membership yet. Please use the link below to pay your dues for June 2024-June 2025. https://www.zeffy.com/.../b6d53541-6edf-46d4-bb4b
“Where the Buffalo Roamed”
Atelier de la Nature 1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, LA**NOT an AMN Event, but counts for continuing education credit!** Join us for an indigenous perspective on bison in Southwest Louisiana, followed by a bison chili cooking demo and tasting. The event is free but registration is required Yes, there were bison in Louisiana! Come learn about bison in this area and the Indigenous Atakapa-Ishak People who have lived here from time immemorial. We will learn about the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the local environment from an Indigenous perspective with Jeffery U. Darensbourg, followed by a bison chili cooking demo and tasting with our very own Aurore Ballengée. This event is free but registration is required at https://bit.ly/Prarie-Buffalo_24. About Jeffery U. Darensbourg: Jeffery U. Darensbourg grew up in Itta Homma (of which “Baton Rouge” is a translation) and currently resides in Bulbancha, the only name he uses to refer to what others call “New Orleans.” He works with words, crafting essays, poetry, academic articles, and public talks intertwining traditional academic research with autoethnography and memoir. He is a Louisiana Creole and an enrolled member of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Indians. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science.