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***This program is full! Please register for the wait list and we will notify you if a spot opens up.***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 and 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 Commissioners 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.
Leon Zebrick is an amateur astronomer and founder of Pelican Park’s Outreach Astronomy Program.
Program Itinerary May 2026
Friday, May 15th (Sunset 7:48PM)
4:00-6:00pm: (Campsite) Set-up camp.
6:00-7:00pm: (Classroom) Introductions, welcome with Alex Landry
7:00-til: (Campsite) Dinner, campfire, moth sheet with Alex Landry, Stargazing with Leon Zebrick
Saturday, May 16th (SR: 6:06AM; SS: 7:49PM)
7:30-9:00am: (Beach) Bird walk with Alex Landry
9:00-10:00am: 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.
3:30-4:00pm: Break.
4:00-5:00pm: (Classroom) Insects with Alex Landry;
5:00-6:00pm (Classroom) Luminescence and Fluorescence with Leon Zebrick
6:00-8:00pm: Dinner
8:00-9:30pm: Night Hike
Sunday, May 17th (SR: 6:06AM)
9:00-10:30am: Plants with a Purpose with Garrett Shelton
10:30-11:30am: Venomous Snakes of Louisiana with Alex Landry
11:30-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30-2:00pm: Wrap up; what’s next with Alex Landry
Registration includes:
• Binocular rental
• Flashlight rental
• Headlamp rental
• Campsite fee
• Entrance fee to the park
Please bring with you:
• A tent (if camping)
• Long sleeves shirts and pants are preferred for hikes.
• Water bottle
• Food for the weekend. There will be a camp stove and firepit for cooking.
• Outdoor hiking shoes/boots (no open-toed shoes please)
You may want to bring:
• Your own flashlight or head lamp
• A folding chair for the camp area
• Your own binoculars
• Snacks
Accessibility
The hikes will take place on flat ground covered in grass or hard-packed mud as well as a sandy beach. The trails we hike on will be relatively flat but uneven at times with protruding tree roots and other tripping hazards. We will cover approximately 5 miles over the course of the program.
The classroom portion will take place indoors with nearby accessible restrooms, a water fountain, and electricity to charge devices. The parking lot is paved with designated accessible spaces.
The group campsite does not have water or electricity, but it is a short walk away from accessible restrooms and showers.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any accessibility concerns you may have. We are happy to accommodate you to the best of our ability!
Weather/cancellation Policy
In the event of a weather cancellation, we will notify all participants by email no later than Thursday, May 14th. We will make all efforts to reschedule at a later date.
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Event Venue
Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448-7304, United States
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