Printable VersionWADDILL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
Open Tuesday to Saturday
7:30 am to 5pm
Waddill Wildlife Refuge and Outdoor Education Center is 237 acres of hardwood bottomland that borders the Comite River. It provides teachers of all grade levels an opportunity for their students to explore and experience the natural world. The on site Educator can conduct educational programs in a variety of wildlife, environmental and outdoor skills topics. Some of the most requested programs include fishing clinics, interpretive hikes, wetland related programs, wilderness survival and plant identification. We can prepare and present other programs to fulfill your needs. Feature and facilities available at Waddill include a 130-seat classroom, two fishing ponds with fishing piers, picnic pavilion, trails, archery range, restrooms, sand bar on the river, and plenty of fauna and flora. Most of them are handicap accessible. If you would like to plan and schedule a field trip to Waddill, call Brad Breland at 225-274-8192 or E-mail at bbreland@wlf.la.gov.
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:
Brad Breland
Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4142 North Flannery Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
Phone: 225-274-8192
Email: bbreland@wlf.la.gov