Page 40 - 2024 Spring Playbook

PLUS NIGHT
Get something extra beyond HRPO’s standard evening
sky viewings. Plus Nights will take you on sky tours with seasoned skygazers, have you experiencing physical science demonstrations and activities, examining your “birth” stars and enjoying a bonfire with a marshmallow roast. Each Plus Night has a unique theme that sky tours, demos and activities are based on, that provide out-of-this-world fun for the whole family.
HIGHLAND ROAD PARK OBSERVATORY
Jan. 13 + Feb. 17 + March 16 + April 13 + July 13 7-10 p.m.
More info: brec.org/observatory
SOLAR VIEWING
Explore the center of our solar system when HRPO staff showcase the Sun. Trained staff create solar demonstrations and viewings with a variety of scientific techniques including projection, filtered optical light and hydrogen-alpha. Patrons of all ages will discover sizable sunspots, flares and more.
HIGHLAND ROAD PARK OBSERVATORY
Jan. 27 + Feb. 24 + March 30 + April 27 + July 27 noon-2 p.m.
FIRST SATURDAYS AT FRENCHTOWN
Start your month off on the right foot by spending a little time in nature at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. Activities will focus on connecting both nature lovers and nature novices alike with the inner workings of the largest conservation
area in the BREC Conservation system. And just like the site, activities and topics will change monthly. Pre-registration is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
FRENCHTOWN ROAD CONSERVATION AREA
Jan. 6 + Feb. 3 + March 2 + April 6 / 9:30-11:30 a.m. Ages: 6+ / $5
More info: conservation@brec.org 225-218-4979
To register: webtrac.brec.org
CONSERVATION WOODS WALK
Explore the natural places throughout the parish just beyond your backyard at BREC Conservation Areas with staff on
a Conservation Woods Walk. Further off the beaten path, these walks are geared toward providing an interactive experience at Conservation areas and trails throughout the parish to make these special natural spaces more familiar. Open to both novices and experts alike, these walks are more primitive and more rigorous than your regular walk in the park. Preregistration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
BLACKWATER CONSERVATION AREA
Jan. 20 / 9:30-11:30 a.m. / Ages: 8+ / $5 More info: conservation@brec.org
225-218-4979
To register: webtrac.brec.org
SWAMP FLASHLIGHT NIGHT
We welcome you to enjoy the Swamp at night by visiting us during our Swamp Flashlight Night! Staff will be facilitating live animal encounters throughout the event. Enjoy a self- guided leisurely night hike with your family and friends or join a guided hike for an additional fee; space is limited so registration in advance is preferred. The swamp trails can be really dark at night, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight. If you don’t have one, check out our gift shop for some options. Closed-toe shoes and insect repellant are recommended. Please note that admission to the trails ends at 8:15 p.m.
BLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTER
Feb. 16 + May 10 / 5-9 p.m.
General admission fees apply / Pass holders are free Guided Hike $5 (Ages 3+)
More info:
brec.org/observatory
ADULT ASTRONOMY COURSES
Recently purchased a telescope to take your skygazing to
the next level? Or maybe its time to dust off the viewing instrument you already have! Start the new year off by getting the most out of your skygazing experience. HRPO will have seasoned skygazers ready to teach older students how to focus, magnify and gauge transparency to unlock wonderous views of the Heavens.
HIGHLAND ROAD PARK OBSERVATORY
Jan. 6: Learn Your Binoculars
Jan. 20: Learn Your Telescope
3:30-7:30 p.m. / Ages: 18+ / $15
To register: webtrac.brec.org
Registration deadline: Wednesday before the class More info: brec.org/observatory
Nature
SWAMP BIRD WALKS
Join us for extended morning hours on the first Saturday
of every month to check out the feathered friends that call Bluebonnet Swamp home. Led by a member of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, visitors enjoy a morning hike through the forest and swamp while identifying various bird species. Bird-watching techniques and identification tips
are also discussed. Beginners are welcome. Field guides and binoculars optional but recommended. For more information on birding and the Bluebonnet Bird Monitoring Project, visit braudubon.org.
BLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTER
Jan. 6 + Feb. 3 + March 2 + April 6 + May 4 + June 1 + July 6 / 7-9 a.m.
General admission fees apply / Pass holders are free
More info: sguidry@brec.org 225-757-8905
Registration More info:
On-site for Guided Hike
sguidry@brec.org
225-757-8905
38 Science + Nature