Place-Based Learning

Place-Based Learning

Adopt-A-Pond

The St. Tammany Parish Adopt-a-Pond and Park Programs are dynamic education opportunities that incorporate outreach measures and wetland plant community development to improve neighborhoods throughout the parish. The goal of the program is to develop student awareness of the critical roles wetlands and constructed stormwater ponds play in achieving good water quality, while providing excess water storage during high rainfall events.

 

Photo: Coastal RootsCoastal Roots

Students from 4th grade through high school in south Louisiana are taking part in this project by establishing nurseries at their schools. Students are growing native restoration seedlings that they will plant in the fall in a coastal wetland restoration project in south Louisiana.

 

 

Image: Environmentors standing in water looking at vegetationEnvironMentors

LSU EnvironMentors (EM) is an award-winning after-school science mentoring initiative that connects public high school students in East Baton Rouge parish with passionate LSU undergraduate and graduate mentors.

 

 

Marsh ManeuversPhoto: Marsh Maneuvers

Marsh Maneuvers is a four-day camp held for high school 4-H Club and Junior Leadership members each summer at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Grand Chenier. Since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago, it has become well-known for its hands-on educational activities related to coastal ecology, wetland loss, and key social issues affecting the health and economic well-being of Louisiana’s coastal communities.

 

Image: Nature Planning Guide Book cover page

Nature Place-Based Learning Field Experience Planning Guide

This planning guide is designed to support educators in developing meaningful, nature-based learning experiences that connect students to the local environment while meeting educational goals. By using this guide, educators will be able to design lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking and connect students’ learning with their lived experiences. The guide provides practical tools and reflective prompts to help teachers intentionally plan, implement and adapt nature-based learning opportunities that deepen students’ understanding of the natural world and their role within it. 

 

Photo: Students doing activities during wetland daysWetland Days – More information coming soon!

Wetland Days are dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role wetlands and coastal ecosystems play in Louisiana’s environment. This event offers a variety of activities, presentations, and interactive experiences that aim to educate the public—especially students—on the importance of wetlands, the environmental challenges they face, such as erosion and habitat loss, and their overall ecological value. The event strives to inspire appreciation for these vital ecosystems, promote conservation efforts, and encourage community involvement in protecting and preserving wetlands.