October 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 October calendar contains upwards of seventy-five programs, ranging from dutch oven-cooking demonstrations to guided birdwatching hikes, to prehistoric pottery, canoe tours, 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.

• October 2, International Coffee Day, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville: Come for a cup of coffee and learn its history. Historians believe that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia but was cultivated on a large scale and traded for the first time in Arabia. Besides building community, it is the park's intent to help raise awareness about sustainable coffee cultivation and fair trade practices within the coffee industry. 9 am–11 am. (337) 394-3754.

• October 5, First Saturday Hike, Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: First Saturday Hike, 9:30 a.m. Join a park ranger on a guided tour of Fort Desperate and discover why the 292 men of the 15th Arkansas Infantry regiment refused to yield their ground and be relieved during their bloody struggle against numerous brigades of the blue-clad warriors from the north. Participants are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, wear closed-toe shoes, sun screen and a hat. 9:30 am–11:30 am. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. All hikes meet at the visitor center. (225) 654-3775.

• October 12, How Now to Get Lost in the Woods, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte: 2Learn how to never be scared while being in the woods. Participants will be using both technology and the environment to determine locations. By the end of the program, participants should feel more comfortable walking through the woods anywhere. If you have a GPS or smartphone, definitely bring them to enhance the program experience. 2 pm. (337) 363-6289.

• October 19: Natural Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville: Learn about the plants and animals that call the park home. Subjects will change monthly and will cover a topic about what is happening with the plants and animals in the park at that time of year. 10 am. (985) 624-4443.

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