Programs

***This program is full! Please sign up for the waitlist and you will be notified if a spot opens up for you.***

Northshore Naturalist Overnight Intro Workshop

Fontainebleau State Park, May 15th-May17th

The Northshore Naturalist Introduction Workshop is a weekend quick study of the natural world. This program includes a mix of classroom instruction and guided field instruction, both 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.

About the instructors:

Alex Landry (Workshop Director) 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, is on the Board of Directors for Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans, is certified through The Rattlesnake Conservancy for Venomous Snake Handling.

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 Directors 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 and a former highschool science teacher with a Master's Degree in Secondary Education and a Bachelor's in Science, Religions, and Philosophy.

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

Program Itinerary May 2026 (subject to change)

Friday, May 15th (Sunset 7:48PM)
4:00-6:00PM: (Campsite) Set-up camp.
6:00-7:00PM: (Classroom) Dinner, introductions, welcome with Alex Landry
7:00-til: (Campsite) Campfire, moth sheet with Alex Landry

Saturday, May 16th (SR: 6:06AM; SS: 7:49PM)
7:30-9:00AM: (Beach) Bird walk with Alex Landry
9:00-10:00: Break
10:00-11:00AM: (Classroom) Birds with Alex Landry
11:00-12:00PM (Classroom)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, and Greg Capranica.
3:30-4:30PM: Break.
4:30-5:30PM: (Classroom) Insects with Bill Wimley
5:30-6:00PM (Classroom) Luminescence and Fluorescence with Leon Zebrick
6:00-7:30PM: Dinner
7:30-9:00PM: Night Hike

Sunday, May 17th (SR: 6:06AM)
9:00-10:30AM: Plants with a Purpose with Garrett Shelton
10:30-11:00AM Break
11:00-12:00PM Venomous Snakes of Louisiana with Alex Landry
12:00-1:00PM: Wrap up; what’s next with Alex Landry