March at State Parks

Each month the good folks at Louisiana State Parks curate programs taking place at park properties during the month to come. The March calendar contains dozens of programs, ranging from dutch oven-cooking demonstrations to guided birdwatching hikes. 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.

March 1–31

• Women's History Month, Longfellow-Evangeline Historic Site, St. Martinville: Visit the Interpretive Center this month for an exhibition on the lives of Creole, Acadian, and Enslaved women who lived along the Bayou Teche in the mid- to late-1800s. (337) 394-3754. 

March 1

• Fire Power!, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: Watch demonstrations with Civil War era weapons. The action will include: a cannon demonstration followed by small arms; muskets, rifles, carbines, and pistols. The event will conclude with the firing of the park's always popular 42-pounder cannon. 1 pm. (225) 654-3775. 

March 7

• Morning Hike, Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps: A ranger-led hike will showcase the mounds, earthworks, and nature found in the park. Begins at 10 am at the museum with an introductory video. (318) 926-5492.

March 12–15

• The Blue and Gray on the Red: 10th Annual Civil War Reenactment, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville: Enjoy a special food tasting with a speaker to kick off the annual event on March 12 at 6 pm. Friday, March 13 is school day, and Saturday and Sunday will host reenactments beginning at 1 pm each day. (318) 484-2390.

March 14

• Let's Count the Species, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte: Join local rangers in the annual counting of all animal species in the park. Field guides, magnifying glasses, and binoculars will be available for the public to use during the program. All data collected will be inputted into citizen science websites like iNaturalist and eBird. 2 pm. (337) 363-6289. 

March 14

• Ghost Ships  on the River, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: A ranger-led tour to Fort Desperate will commemorate Admiral Farrgut's March 14-15, 1863 night-time US Navy attack on the Confederate river batteries at Port Hudson. The group will also share stories of paranormal phenomena that has occurred in and around the Port Hudson battlefield. 7 pm. (225) 654-3775. 

March 20

• International Day of Francophone, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville:  In recognition of International Day of Francophone, Longfellow-Evangeline will offer French-infused tours and activities while dressed in historic costumes. 8:30 am–5 pm. (337) 394-3754. 

March 21

• Nature for Kids, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte: Join the arboretum's site naturalist and learn about a different nature topic every month. You'll even get a chance to make a craft to bring home. 10 am. (337) 363-6289. 

March 28

• Night Hike, Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps: A ranger-led hike that begins in the museum, where participants will identify various animal furs before embarking on an owl prowl. The program will complete with spider sniffing and related stories. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. 7:30 pm. (318) 926-5492.

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