January 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 January calendar contains dozens of programs, ranging from Civil War weapon 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.

January 4

• New Year Hike, Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps: This annual event is a ranger-led hike showcasing the mounds, earthworks, and nature found in the park. Note that the hike can take up to two hours to complete, depending on the pace of the group, and hikers are encouraged to dress in layered, warm clothing, and to wear appropriate footwear for a potentially chilly hike. Participants will meet in the museum for an introductory video upon arrival, weather permitting. 10 am. Free. (888) 926-5492 or (318) 926-5492.

• Beginner's Birding, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: Join fellow enthusiasts for a morning of beginner's birding at Port Hudson. This walk is a beginner´s lesson, but all levels are welcome. BYOB (Bring Your Own Binoculars). Participants will learn tips on bird vocalizations and share bird ID field marks for common winter and year-round species. 8:30 am–Noon. Free. (888) 677-3400 or (225) 654-3775.

January 5

• Fire Power!, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: Visitors will experience the sights and sounds of Civil War-Era weapons. Program demonstrations include muskets, rifles, carbines, and pistols—ending with a cannon fire. 1 pm–2 pm. Free. (888) 677-3400 or (225) 654-3775.

January 11

• The Boys of '61, Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville: Civil War reenactors will be dressed in historically accurate uniforms of 1861, presenting the daily life of citizens-turned-soldiers. Visitors will be able to see and experience some aspects of life 158 years ago in the militia. 10 am–3 pm. Free. (888) 677-2838 or (225) 635-3739.

January 17

• St. Denis Day Camp, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches: Students will spend a day with site rangers learning about colonial and military autumn harvest life. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring water, lunch, and snacks. Registration required. 9 am–5 pm. $10. (888) 677-7853 or (318) 357-3101.

January 18

• Guided Battlefield Tour, Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield: Go back in time with a ranger-guided, in-depth tour of the battlefield, visiting key points where some of the most significant action of the battle occurred. The tour will involve walking approximately three-quarters of a mile. 2 pm. Free. (888) 677-6267 or (318) 872-1474.

• Heigh Ho Heigh Ho It's Off to Wordworking We Go, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville: Join staff and volunteers as they demonstrate historic techniques in working with wood to form it for your needs. 1 pm–4 pm. Free. (877) 677-7437 or (318) 484-2390.

• "Breckenridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol," Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: Historian, author, and former Park Ranger Chip Landry will give a lunchtime talk on former U.S. Vice President and Confederate General John C. Breckinridge. General Breckinridge commanded the Confederate forces in August 1862's Battle of Baton Rouge" and became the first commander of the Port Hudson garrison. Noon–1 pm. Free. (888) 677-3400 or (225) 654-3775.

January 25

• Soldier Life Living History, Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield: Visitors will learn about the life of the average Civil War soldier in the field, focusing on the typical uniform, equipment, food, and shelter soldiers carried and used while on the march. 10 am–3 pm, with a musket-loading and firing demonstration held at 11 am and 2 pm. Free. (888) 677-6267 or (318) 872-1474.

• Artifact Identification, Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps: Visitors are invited to bring their found "treasures," such as arrow heads or pieces of clay pots, to the site for staff to determine their authenticity and to give an estimated age. Free. (888) 926-5492 or (318) 926-5492.

• Vigilantes on the Bayou, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville: This program depicts a violent era in the history of South Louisiana, in which American, Creole, and Acadian landowners struggled against each other over ownership and usage of the land bordering the Bayou Teche area. Re-enactors in mock campsites will engage in living history enactments, civilian and military demonstrations, and the firing of black-powder weapons and cannons with two mock battles at 11 am and 1 pm. 9 am–3 pm. Free. (888) 677-2900 or (337) 394-3754.

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