Northshore Naturalist Introduction Workshop
Schedule
Sat, 15 Nov, 2025 at 08:00 am to Sun, 16 Nov, 2025 at 01:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Fontainebleau State Park | Mandeville, LA
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Northshore Naturalist Overnight Intro WorkshopFontainebleau State Park, November 15th-16th
The Northshore Naturalist Introduction Workshop is an overnight quick study of the natural world. This program includes 5.5 hours of classroom instruction and 9 hours of guided field instruction from subject matter experts. This program takes place at Fontainebleau State Park and includes optional tent camping at a large group camp site.
No experience or prior knowledge required to attend! Anybody with an interest in the natural world 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 lovely plant you can’t stop thinking about, or the unique role mycelium plays in the environment.
You may opt out of camping. You will be able to leave the park after the night hike and return on Sunday morning for the bird walk. You may bring your own kayak for the paddle down Cane Bayou, or you may rent one from Canoe and Trail Adventures here. A link to a discounted kayak rental will be provided upon registration.
Registration:
Registration is required. Registration opens on 8/18 and is limited to 25 people! The registration fee is $40 for in-district residents, and $50 for out-of-district residents. Register here: https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3074
Program Itinerary
Saturday, November 15th (Sunset 5:03PM)
8:00-8:30AM (Classroom) Introductions; What is a Naturalist? With Alex Landry
8:30-10:00AM Field Hike.
10:00-11:00AM (Classroom) Native Plants and habitat with Greg Capranica
11:00-12:00PM Lunch; set up campsite.
12:00-2:00PM (Classroom) Birds with Alex Landry; Louisiana mushrooms with Jordan Gros.
2:00-2:30PM Break.
2:30-4:30PM Field Hike
4:30-5:30PM Dinner.
5:30-7:00PM (Classroom) Insects, venomous snakes, reptiles, and night critters with Alex Landry.
7:00-7:30PM Break; prep for night hike.
7:30-9:00PM Night Hike.
9:00PM-til Moth sheet; star gazing with Leon Zebrick.
Sunday, November 16th (Sunrise 6:27AM)
6:30-7:30AM Bird walk.
7:30-8:30AM Break; breakdown campsite.
8:30-9:30AM Edible plant hike with Garrett Shelton.
9:30-10:00AM (Classroom) Wrap up; what’s next.
10:00-12:00PM Cane Bayou Paddle with Canoe and Trail Adventures (optional)
12:00PM Lunch at Nan’s (optional)
About the instructors:
Greg Capranica is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge, a Certified Louisiana Native Plant Professional through the Louisiana Native Plant Society, and founder of Millefleur Native Landscapes and Apiary.
Jordan Gros is a Biological Engineer and founder of Mycocentrics, a local company specializing in functional mushrooms.
Alex Landry 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 a certified Venomous Snake Handler through The Rattlesnake Conservancy.
Garrett Shelton is Fontainebleau State Park’s Interpretive Ranger.
Leon Zebrick is an amateur astronomer and founder of Pelican Park’s Outreach Astronomy Program.
Canoe and Trail Adventures is a St. Tammany-based adventure company. Since 1972, Canoe and Trail has offered canoe and kayak swamp tours, educational outings for schools and youth groups, Moonlight Paddles and Twilight Paddle Tours seasonally, and other wilderness experiences.
Registration includes:
• Binocular rental
• Flashlight rental
• Headlamp rental
• 5.5 hours of classroom instruction
• 9 hours of field instruction
• Campsite fee
• Entrance fee to the park
Please bring with you:
• A tent (if camping)
• Long sleeves shirt and pants (no tank tops or shorts)
• Water bottle
• Lunch, dinner, breakfast (a camp stove will be available)
• Outdoor hiking shoes/boots (no open-toed shoes)
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 handicap spaces.
The group campsite does not have water or electricity, and 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 or low-attendance cancellation, we will contact all participants by email no later than Thursday, November 13th.
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Where is it happening?
Fontainebleau State Park, 1953 Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448-3467, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
