LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / April 14, 2000

NORCO – Dozens of eighth-graders from Harry Hurst Middle School and more students from Ethel Schoeffner Elementary recently enjoyed a morning of hands-on instruction on the value of the Louisiana wetlands in the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

Organized by Barry Guillot, a science teacher at Hurst and a former workshop coordinator for the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, the LaBranche Wetlands Watchers coordinate an ongoing program using the LaBranche Wetlands as a living laboratory.

This group of students planted trees near the Airline Highway boat launch, then moved to the fishing pier at the end of the East Guide Levee, where they performed water-quality tests, walked a nature trail, examined local wildlife and contemplated the beauty of nature’s bounty. The students alsopicked up trash and viewed a mobile exhibit from the Audubon Institute Bugmobile.

Working through a $4,500 Learn and Serve America grant from Lt. Gov.Kathleen Blanco’s office, Guillot has introduced hundreds of St. CharlesParish students to the valuable wetlands resource.

Guillot has coordinated resources of several agencies, from the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District (which donated trees), the LaBranche Wetlands Coalition (which conducted nature trail tours), the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (which gave demonstrations on water quality), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the parishDepartment of Parks and Recreation.

“This year, 600 students are visiting the wetlands to learn about their economic and aesthetic value,” Guillot said.

He got the idea from a tour of the LaBranche Wetlands sponsored by the University of New Orleans and “figured out a way to do it for kids.”Guillot plans to bring 450 elementary and middle school student on his next excursion in May.

Back to Top

Back to Leisure Headlines

Copyright © #Thisyear# Wick Communications, Inc.Best viewed with 4.0 or higher