WETshop
Looking to boost your curriculum and understanding of Louisiana’s wetlands? Then come immerse yourself with hands-on learning alongside LDWF scientists exploring Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, their challenges, and their rich history. It’s a professional development opportunity unlike any other.
"This is the best week-long workshop I have ever attended. I have returned to volunteer at this workshop for many years since I first attended in 1998. The best part is not just the experience, but you get resources to bring this information back to your classroom." - Kathleen Nichols, Workshop Participant and Volunteer
What is WETshop?
The Wetland Education Teacher Workshop (WETshop) is hosted by LDWF each summer. It is a week-long immersive program focused on coastal awareness for formal and non-formal educators. Participants work alongside scientists to explore Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, their challenges, and their rich history through hands-on, high-quality learning experiences.
What You'll Learn
During WETshop, participants have the opportunity to:
- Learn about fisheries management
- Observe fishing techniques like trawling and seining
- Study barrier islands and their role in coastal health
- Visit a brown pelican rookery to learn about coastal ornithology
- Take a walking tour of coastal botany
- Examine water quality testing
- Tour one of the country’s largest oil ports
- Explore an oyster hatchery and other coastal restoration sites
- Understand the role of invasive species in coastal land loss
- Connect with wetland scientists and researchers
- Network and brainstorm with like-minded educators
Benefits of Attending WETshop
WETshop helps educators bring Louisiana’s coastal science into their classroom settings at any grade level. A key focus is wetland stewardship, with participants leading a six-hour project on coastal land loss and restoration when they return to school the following year.
Participants will enjoy the following benefits:
- Receive multiple Project WET teacher guidebooks and classroom resources
- Connect with wetland scientists and experts
- Earn 50+ professional contact hours
- Be eligible for a stipend for the summer workshop and the implementation of their six-hour wetland project when they return to their classroom settings the following academic year. This mandatory project can focus on a variety of topics covered over the duration of the summer workshop.
Cost & Accomodation Information
Upon selection, participants will pay a $50 security deposit to hold their spot for the summer workshop. Stipends may vary from year to year depending on available funding. Lodging and meals are provided Monday PM - Friday AM.
How to Apply
- The next WETshop is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026 and will be held in Grand Isle, Louisiana.
- Registration opens on February 2, 2026. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.
- Applicants will be notified the week of April 6th regarding their acceptance status.
- Fifteen participants will be selected.
Next WETshop
The dates for WETshop 2026 will be June 8-12. Registration information will be provided February 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified in early-mid April if they have been accepted or not. Fifteen participants will be selected
