Programs

Northshore Naturalist Weekend Workshop
Fontainebleau State Park, April 24th-26th

The Northshore Naturalist Weekend Workshop is an overnight quick study of the natural world. This program includes a mix of classroom instruction and guided field instruction from subject matter experts. This program takes place at Fontainebleau State Park and includes optional tent camping at a large group camp site. You may opt out of camping; you will be able to leave the park at night and return for the morning activities.

No experience or prior knowledge required to attend! Anybody with an interest in the natural world of Southeast Louisiana is encouraged to attend. Birdwatchers have what’s referred to as a “spark bird”—the bird that sparked their interest in birdwatching. The primary goal of this workshop is to connect you what whatever your “spark” subject may be in nature, whether that’s a funky insect you’ve never seen before, a wonderful plant you can’t stop thinking about, or the unique role mycelium plays in the environment.

Registration is required and limited to 20 people. Register now before it's too late! Registration reached its capacity within 48 hours for our last Northshore Naturalist Workshop.

About the instructors:

Greg Capranica is the founder of Millefleur Native Landscapes and Apiary, a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge, a Certified Louisiana Native Plant Professional through the Louisiana Native Plant Society, and serves on the Board of Commissioners for Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin.

Jordan Gros is a Biological Engineer and founder of Mycocentrics, a local company specializing in functional mushrooms.

Garrett Shelton is Fontainebleau State Park’s Interpretive Ranger.

Leon Zebrick is an amateur astronomer and founder of Pelican Park’s Outreach Astronomy Program.

Bill Wimley is a Professor of Biochemistry at Tulane University and a longtime amateur naturalist in Southeast Louisiana.

Alex Landry is Pelican Park/ Recreation District 1’s naturalist and environmental education programs coordinator. He is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge and Greater New Orleans and is certified through The Rattlesnake Conservancy for Venomous Snake Handling.

Program Itinerary
Friday, April 24th
4:00-6:00PM: (Campsite) Set-up camp.
6:00-7:00PM: (Classroom) Introductions, welcome with Alex Landry
7:00-til: (Campsite) Dinner, campfire, moth sheet with Bill Wimley
Saturday, April 25th
7:30-9:00AM: (Beach) Bird walk with Alex Landry
9:00-10:00: Break
10:00-12:00PM (Classroom) Birds with Alex Landry; Louisiana Mushrooms with Jordan Gros
12:00-1:00PM: Lunch
1:00-2:00PM: Native Louisiana Habitats with Greg Capranica
2:00-3:30PM: Field hike with Alex Landry, Jordan Gros, Greg Capranica, and Garrett Shelton.
3:30-4:00PM: Break.
4:00-6:00PM: (Classroom) Insects with Bill Wimley; Luminescence and Fluorescence with Leon Zebrick
6:00-8:00PM: Dinner
8:00-9:30PM: Night Hike
Sunday, April 26th
9:00-10:30AM: Plants with a Purpose with Garrett Shelton
10:30-11:30AM: Venomous Snakes of Louisiana with Alex Landry
11:30-12:30PM: Lunch
12:30-2:00PM: Wrap up; what’s next with Alex Landry

Registration includes:
• Binocular rental
• Flashlight/blacklight rental
• Headlamp rental
• Campsite fee
• Entrance fee to the park

Please bring with you:
• A notebook and a curious mind!
• A tent (if camping)
• Long sleeves shirts and pants are preferred for hikes
• Water bottle
• Food for the weekend. There will be a camp stove and firepit for cooking
• Outdoor hiking shoes/boots (no open-toed shoes please)

You may want to bring:
• Your own flashlight or head lamp
• A folding chair for the camp area
• Your own binoculars
• Snacks

Accessibility
The hikes will take place on flat ground covered in grass or hard-packed mud as well as a sandy beach. The trails we hike on will be relatively flat but uneven at times with protruding tree roots and other tripping hazards. We will cover approximately 5 miles over the course of the program.

The classroom portion will take place indoors with nearby accessible restrooms, a water fountain, and electricity to charge devices. The parking lot is paved with designated handicap spaces.
The group campsite does not have water or electricity, but it is a short walk away from accessible restrooms and showers.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any accessibility concerns you may have. We are happy to accommodate you to the best of our ability!

Weather/cancellation Policy
In the event of a weather cancellation, we will notify all participants by email no later than Wednesday, April 22nd. We will make all efforts to reschedule at a later date.