March at State Parks

Each month the good folks at Louisiana State Parks send us a listing of information for all the programs taking place at park properties during the month to come. The March calendar contains upwards of seventy-five programs, ranging from dutch oven-cooking demonstrations to guided birdwatching hikes, to tea tastings, vintage firearms demonstrations, and living-history sessions. So don't spend this time of year indoors; visit the wide open spaces cared for by the State Parks system. Here is a small sampling of adventures on offer.

• Sundays, Sugar Mill History Tour, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville: Meet at the visitor center, located behind the sugar mill ruins, for an introductory talk on the plantation history of the site followed by a walking tour around the sugar mill ruins. (888) 677-3668. 

• March 10, Ghost Ships on the River, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: To commemorate Admiral Farragut’s naval attack on the Confederate river batteries at Port Hudson, a park ranger will lead visitors on a walk to Fort Desperate and will share stories with the visitors of paranormal phenomena that have taken place in and around the battlefield. 7 pm–9 pm. (888) 677-3400.

• March 18, Woman in History: Caroline Dorman, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte: In commemoration of Women´s History Month, the site is offering a look into the life of Caroline Dorman – botanist, horticulturist, ornithologist, historian, archaeologist, preservationist, naturalist, conservationist, and author from Louisiana. Born in 1888, she blazed the trail for women in science and worked tirelessly to protect unique Louisiana ecosystems such as the Louisiana State Arboretum. 2 pm. (888) 677-6100.

And much more! Visit crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks for a full list.