Calendar of Events for December 2018 at Louisiana State Parks

 

Sportsman's Paradise

First Saturday of the month • Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Bastrop - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon The park will host the Bartholomew Dutch Oven Society, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more.  www.ladutch.com

Second Saturday of the Month • Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Delhi - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon. The park will host the Poverty Point Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. For more information call 800.474.0392 toll free or 318.878.7536 locally.

Second Saturday of the Month • Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon. The park will host the Bayou Pots, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. For more information call 888.677.2478 toll free or 318.745.3503 locally.

Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps - Atlatl Demonstration, Wednesday-Sunday Upon Request Thousands of years ago, the Native Americans who built Poverty Point needed to be able to hunt for their food. The atlatl was the best tool for the job. A ranger will discuss the significance of the atlatl and the techniques for using one. Participants will also have the opportunity to test out their abilities with the atlatl. Available upon request. For more information call 888.926.5492 toll free or 318.926.5492 locally.

12/1/2018 • Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps - Earth Oven Demonstration, 11 a.m. Come and join us around the fire as we cook food as Native Americans did thousands of years ago. A ranger-led cooking demonstration offers a unique look at prehistoric cooking with an earth oven, showing how the Poverty Point people used earthen cooking balls and specially-dug pits to prepare their food. For more information call 888.926.5492 toll free or 318.926.5492 locally.

12/15/2018 • Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps - Atlatl Demonstration, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. A ranger will discuss tips and techniques for using these ancient hunting tools and participants will have the opportunity to test out their abilities with the atlatl. Participants will also gain an understanding of how and why these tools were used by the ancient inhabitants of the Poverty Point site. For more information call 888.926.5492 toll free or 318.926.5492 locally.


Crossroads

Fourth Saturday of the month • Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville - Dutch Oven Cooking/Civil War Dulcimer Music, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The park will host the Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers, for a cooking demonstration, with sampling to begin at 11:30 a.m. While participants learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, they can also enjoy live music by the Red River Dulcimer Ensemble from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 877.677.7437 toll free or 318.484.2390 locally.

Fourth Saturday of the Month • Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville - Dutch Oven Cooking/Civil War Dulcimer Music, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The park will host the Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers, for a cooking demonstration, with sampling to begin at 11:30 a.m. While participants learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, they can also enjoy live music by the Red River Dulcimer Ensemble from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 877.677.7437 toll free or 318.484.2390 locally.

By appointment • Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville - Exploring the Forts in Detail, A ranger guided tour of both Forts Randolph and Buhlow. The visitors would also be able to enter the winter quarters exhibit to see how the soldiers lived. They can also try on some of the clothing and equipment the troops used. At least a two days’ notice is required to schedule one of these special ranger guided tours. Tour fee is $8 per person. For more information call 877.677.7437 toll free or 318.484.2390 locally.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches - Costumed Guided Tours, Hourly 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Upon availability of a costumed ranger and/or volunteer, daily hourly tours will be offered - weather permitting. Fee for tours is $8 per person ages four and up. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 318.357.3101 locally.

12/1/2018 • Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches - Christmas On The Cane, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visitors are welcomed to tour the site, watch the morning Christmas parade, and visit with re-enactors as Fort St. Jean Baptiste celebrates Christmas on the Cane. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 318.357.3101 locally.

12/8/2018 • Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches - Animal and Plant Bingo, 10 a.m. - Noon In the 18th century they called it Cavagnole, but today it´s Bingo. An animal and plant bingo spells out a fun time for children 6-10 years of age. Fee for the program is $5.00 per child. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 318.357.3101 locally.

Cajun Country

Fourth Saturday of the month • Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon. The park will host the LeChien Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. www.ladutch.com

Second Saturday of the month • Palmetto Island State Park, Abbeville - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon. The park will host the Latanier Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. www.ladutch.com.

First Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Become a Junior Ranger, 10 a.m. Two 30-minute programs covering nature topics about the Arboretum will be offered allowing those seeking to be a Junior Ranger to complete the course in one weekend. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Guided Garden Tours, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tour the recreated 19th century herb and vegetable gardens located at Maison Olivier and the Acadian Cabin. A traiteur´s garden located at the Acadian Cabin. Here visitors can learn about native medicinal plants commonly used by both the Acadians and Creoles in the mid late 1800´s. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Wednesdays - Sundays • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Acadian Farmstead Tour, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The tour focuses on the lifestyle of the average Acadian immigrant/settler between the late 1700´s to mid-1800´s and demonstrates how Acadian culture has significantly influenced the region along the Bayou Teche while featuring everyday lifestyle of the typical Acadian family. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Second Saturday of the month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Bird Hike, 9 a.m. Visitors will be given a brief introduction to bird watching and binocular to use followed by a trail walk to search for birds. Binoculars available on a first come, first served basis. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

3rd Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Nature for Kids, 10 a.m. Join the site naturalist to learn about a different nature topic every month and make a craft to take home. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Thursdays • 9/1/2018 to 5/31/2019 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Living History Thursday´s School Groups, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Led by guides in period appropriate costumes, students will tour the Maison Olivier and the Acadian Farmstead in order to better compare plantation life to the life of an Acadian Yeoman farmer. Demonstrations on spinning, weaving, furs/hides, candle making, blacksmithing and the firing of black powder weapons are typically available upon request. Pre-registration is required. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

9/1/2018 to 5/31/2019 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Living History Wednesday: En Francais, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Preregistered school and home school groups are invited to take a French-immersed guided tour on Wednesday throughout the school year. Students will view an introductory video to the site in French and will be led throughout the Interpretive enter which houses displays written in French. Led by French speaking guides in period appropriate costumes, students will then tour the Maison Olivier and Acadian Farmstead. Tours can be catered to the fluency of the students. Demonstrations on spinning, weaving, furs/hides, candle making, upon request. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Guided Hike, 2 p.m. Join the site naturalist for a guided hike through the Arboretum to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Wednesdays • 9/1/2018 to 5/31/2019 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Living History Wednesday: En Francais, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Preregistered school and home school groups are invited to take French-immersed guided tour on Wednesday throughout the school year. Led by French-speaking guides in period appropriate costumes, students will tour the Maison Olivier and Acadian Farmstead. Tours can be catered to the fluency of the students. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

9/1/2018 to 5/31/2019 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Living History Friday; Home School Groups, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pre-registered home school groups are invited to take a tour on any Friday throughout the school year. Led by guides in period costumes, students will tour Maison Olivier. Students will then continue to the Acadian Farmstead in order to better compare plantation life to the Life of an Acadian yeoman farmer. Demonstrations on spinning, weaving, furs/hides, candle making, blacksmithing and the firing of black powder weapons are typically available upon request. Home school groups must register. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

2nd Saturday of the Month • Palmetto Island State Park, Abbeville - Latanier Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration, 9 a.m. Greetin´, Meetin´, Cookin´ & Eatin´. Join Latanier Cookers for a variety of Dutch Oven side dishes and desserts. Bring your ice chest and lawn chair. Pots go on the coals from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.; Pots on the table at Noon. No charge for tasting. Donations are always welcome. Entry fee into the park applies. No Pets allowed. For more information call 888.677.0094 toll free or 337.893.3930 locally.

12/1/2018 to 12/31/2018 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Christmas Past, The Christmas Past exhibit provides information on the celebration of Christmas in the past and how certain modern custom associated with the holiday evolved. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

12/5/2018 to 12/16/2018 • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville - Creole Christmas, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tour the Olivier Plantation circa 1815 and see the lovely natural Christmas decorations and learn how the holiday was celebrated by the Creoles. A temporary exhibit called "Christmas Past" will be on display in the Interpretive Center providing information on Christmas traditions and how certain customs evolved. Special demonstrations will be held. School groups are to register in advance. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

12/8/2018 • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Flying Squirrels, 1 p.m. Learn about the southern flying squirrel by looking at its behavior, habitat, and nesting features. Visitors can build flying squirrel boxes to take home. Pre-registration is required. The fee is $10; all tools and materials provided. Only 8 boxes available for program. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

12/15/2018 • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte - Chicot Trail Guided Hike, The hike will focus on the history of the lake, the vegetation of the site, and the many animals that live in the park. Hikes typically last two hours but can be less if needed. The hike will start at the North Trailhead which is located just south of the North Landing Campground. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Plantation Country

Wednesdays - Sundays • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Oakley House Tours, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Explore the past at Audubon State Historic Site during guided daily tours of Oakley House. Discover the world of John James Audubon and his time at Oakley Plantation. Travel back in time, through the three story home built in 1801, to get a glimpse of life on the plantation in the era of Jane Austen, Napoleon, Spanish West Florida, and early Louisiana statehood. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

As Requested • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Volunteer Program, This program provides an opportunity for residents to become involved in their history by volunteering their services to the site. Volunteering at Audubon SHS takes many forms, from living history to gardening to birding. The site will provide all training and equipment used by the volunteers. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Audubon History Lab, As Requested This program provides an opportunity for schools to use the site as an outdoor teaching lab focused on subjects varying from Colonial/Federal Life, John Audubon, Slavery, and nature. We provide programs on site on request to schools to meet their academic and benchmark standards. These presentations may take the form of talks, walks, tours, or demonstrations depending on the need of the educator. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Oakley House Tours, Hourly: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Daily guided tour of Oakley House. The 30-45 minute tour offers history of the house and its regional and international importance in addition to its role in the life of John James Audubon. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - Daily House Tour, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Site Staff will guide visitors on a tour of the Rosedown Main House. The tour will encompass the 120 years of ownership by the Turnbull-Bowman Family, the restoration and ownership of the property by the Underwoods of Houston, and the purchase and ownership of the property by the State of Louisiana. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.

12/1/2018 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville - A Dickens of a Christmas, 6 - 8 p.m. The plantation comes to life during the holidays, as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Take a taste of what´s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the yearly Christmas dance or listen to live period music. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

12/1/2018 to 12/31/2018 • Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville - 19th Century Christmas Decoration, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Program will consist of historic, early-to-mid-19th century-style Christmas decoration of the Main House interior and exterior, including small tabletop Christmas tree decorated with appropriate 19th century-style ornaments. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.


Greater New Orleans

Second Saturday of the month • Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton - Dutch Oven Cooking, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join the Bogue Chitto Dutch Oven Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a Dutch Oven Gathering, as they prepare a variety of dishes in this outdoor cooking method that is growing in popularity. www.ladutch.com

Third Saturday of the Month • Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego - Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon. The park will host the WEGO Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. For more information call 888.677.2296 toll free or 504.736.7140 locally.

Fairview - Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Otis House Museum Tours, Tues - Thurs: By App.t Only; Friday & Sat: 1-4 pm Visit the c.1885 Otis House to learn more about the Jay sawmill community along the Tchefuncte River and St. Tammany lifestyle during the 1885-1930 time span. For more information call 888.677.3247 toll free or 985.845.3318 locally.

Weekly • Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville - Primitive Woodworking, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. The Interpretive Ranger will demonstrate the use of a shaving horse, froe, draw knife, hand saw and a pocket knife to make useful wooden objects such as spoons, paddles, tool handles, hiking sticks, canes and slingshot forks. For more information call 888.677.3668 toll free or 985.624.4443 locally.

Saturdays • Fairview - Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Yoga At The State Park, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Bayou Yoga of Covington is offering donation-based classes every Saturday morning. All donations will be donated to the park. Participants must bring own mat and water. Entrance fees are waived for those attending class. *Weather permitting. For more information call 888.677.3247 toll free or 985.845.3318 locally.

Tues. - Thurs. by appt only. Fri. & Sat. 1-4 p.m. • 12/1/2018 to 12/22/2018 • Fairview - Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Christmas In A Victorian Parlor, Five decades of Christmas celebration will be depicted from the Victorian Christmas through the great depression. Decorations, customs, mood and history of each decade will be discussed. For more information call 888.677.3247 toll free or 985.845.3318 locally.

12/8/2018 • Fairview - Riverside State Park, Madisonville - Costumed Christmas Tours, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Costumed interpreters will cover history, superstitions, myths, and legends that have influenced our Christmas celebration of today. Cookies and Wassail will be served. For more information call 888.677.3247 toll free or 985.845.3318 locally.