AQUATIC & WILDLIFE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

AQUATIC EDUCATION

Aquatic Education is one of four Education programs offered to the public by the Information and Education Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Aquatic Education Program is designed to acquaint youngsters and adults with the sport of fishing, management of fish species, and the science of Louisiana's diverse aquatic habitats.

Fishing Clinics
Aquatic Education staff sponsors or assists with clinics to attract individuals in an effort to introduce youngsters and adults to the sport of fishing. Clinics cover such topics as fish identification, safety on the water, sporting ethics, casting, knot tying, and lure selection.

Terrebonne Parish Schools Aquatic Education Program
This program is similar to the program in Bossier and Caddo parishes. Students go to Pointe-au-Cheyenne Refuge for field instruction. Approximately 2,000 students attend the field portion of the program.

Marsh Maneuvers
Marsh Maneuvers is an intensive three-day wetlands education camp for senior 4-H students to learn about the state's coastal wetlands first-hand. They are introduced to the subtle and dynamic forces at work in Louisiana's coastal marshes in a way that leaves a lasting and positive impression.

The following Aquatic Education programs and activities involve sponsorship and distribution of education materials:

Let's Go Fishing: an activity guide for upper elementary school students, covering such topics as aquatic environments, animals that occur in these environments, food chains, and how to fish for sport.

Fishing For Fun: an activity guide for kindergarten through third grades introducing youngsters to fish identification, foods, habitat, and fishing skills.

Also:
an identification guide to common freshwater and saltwater fish in Louisiana.
packets of sport fishing lures.
rod and reel loaner program in certain parish library systems.

For more information contact
Angela Capello, Biologist Supervisor
10 Joan Stokes Road
Forest Hill, LA 71430
Phone: 318-748-6999
Capelloa@centurytel.net

WADDILL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

4142 North Flannery

Open Tuesday to Saturday
8am to 5pm

Waddill Outdoor Education Center is conveniently located in Baton Rouge on North Flannery Road. It is the perfect place to get away from it all either with family or by yourself. We offer two ponds for fishing (catch & release only), nature trails, a swamp, the Comite River, picnic facilities, and plenty of open spaces. With 280 acres, Waddill is a little piece of wilderness in your own back yard.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS
We offer a variety of wildlife related programs that are free to the public. Most are offered during the evenings and Saturdays. We do offer two ongoing programs that are offered on the second Tuesday of each month.
Babes in the Woods: A program for children ages 3-4 years and their grown up buddy. This is an introduction to the outdoors with hands-on activities that enable children to discover the wonders of the wild. Program meets from 10-11am on the second Tuesday of each month. Pre-registration is required.
Wild Ones: This program is for 5-7 year olds. A slightly more structured program that introduces children to the basic characteristics and needs of animals. This is a good introduction to biology for home schooled children. Meets from 1-2pm on the second Tuesday of each month. Pre-registration is required. Please call to register or to find out this month's topic.
Other Programs: We offer a variety of programs that will be posted here quarterly. Pre-registration is required unless stated otherwise. Pre-registration required.
Critter Feeders: Jan 3, 2-4pm- Discover ways animals get their food in the winter. We will make small feeders to help our animal neighbors. Ages 8-14yrs.
Inspiring Nature: Jan 6, 10-12- Be inspired by nature. Explore ways to use the natural worl to help relax and recuperate from your everyday life. ADULTS ONLY.

EDUCATORS
Anyone who is an educator, formal or informal, will appreciate the educational opportunities at Waddill. A full time Wildlife Educator is on site to present nature programs or to assist teachers, scoutmasters, and other types of educators in designing their own programs. The center can accommodate both outdoor and indoor activities. Our large, temperature controlled education building provides room for pre and post activities and is equipped with a TV and VCR.

If you wish to use our wildlife educator to present a program to your group or would like to use the education building, we ask that you contact us for reservations. No reservations are required to use our outdoor facilities, however, be aware that you may be sharing the area with other groups.

We look forward to working with you in bringing your students a greater appreciation of the environment and their role in it. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation please contact:

Wayne Huston
Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4142 North Flannery Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
Phone: 225-274-8192
Email: WHuston@wlf.louisiana.gov