Programs

The Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station is a field research and educational/outreach facility of Southeastern Louisiana University located in the Lake Pontchartrain estuarine ecosystem.

Because of its location at the upper end of this major estuary, Turtle Cove is within one hour by boat of various wetland environments and their aquatic counterparts. These environments range from entirely fresh to moderately saline environments and include bottomland hardwood forests, bald cypress swamps, and fresh and intermediate marshes.

Moreover, each of these habitat types exists in relatively undisturbed, degraded, and restored states, thus facilitating comparative research. Because of its unique location and characteristics, this facility complements other field stations in the state and across the nation.

Turtle Cove is pleased to offer exciting and educational field experiences for 3rd – 12th grade students, university classes, and other community groups interested in wetland and aquatic sciences, as well as the environmental history and issues related to coastal wetland loss in Louisiana.

What’s included in a field trip?
1. An orientation lecture on wetlands ecosystems, environmental issues, coastal wetland loss, and the history of Turtle Cove
2. A pontoon boat ride down Pass Manchac to Lake Pontchartrain and the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station
3. Guided boardwalk tour at Turtle Cove including plant identification, dip netting, and water quality sampling activities

Various aspects of wetlands ecology and environmental science are discussed during field trips, including baldcypress swamp and marsh restoration, plant and animal adaptations to the wetland environment, and the many environmental problems (and their solutions) of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.

Students may expect to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, nutria, snakes, and fish as well as the various wetland plants that support these animals.