Discover the secret life of the American Woodcock!
This Saturday, Feb. 7, Our LMNNE Secretary, Louisiana Master Naturalist Suzanne Laird‑Dartez will again bring her lively, illustrated talk to the Black Bayou Lake Conservation Learning Center—and then will leads us into the field for a Woodcock Walk alongside her fearless bird‑dog Quill.
The adventure begins right after the short public LMN‑NE Q1 meeting at 12 pm. Bring your own packed lunch and walking attire. We’ll meet at noon at the Black Bayou Lake NWR Conservation Learning Center for a short public Board meeting then Suzanne will present for about 45 minutes on Woodcocks, then we’ll set out to find them in the field!
Photographers among us may want to practice snap shooting – these birds are fast!
🌿 Discover the Rhythms of Nature: A Day of Phenology
Saturday, October 18 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍 West Monroe Branch Library & Trails at Black Bayou Lake
Have you ever noticed how the first blooms of spring or the turning of autumn leaves seem to follow a rhythm? That’s phenology—the study of nature’s cycles—and we’re inviting you to spend a day exploring it with us!
📚 Morning Session: Learning Together
9:00 a.m. | West Monroe Branch Library 315 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA 71291
We’ll kick off the day at the library with an introduction to phenology, led by Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Professor of Biology. You’ll also get hands-on guidance with the Nature’s Notebook app, a powerful tool for recording seasonal changes in plants and wildlife.
🚗 Midday: Caravan & Lunch
11:30 a.m. We’ll travel together to our field site at Black Bayou Lake. Pack your own lunch and enjoy it on the way or once we arrive.
🌳 Afternoon: Field Work & Observations
12:30 p.m. | Black Bayou LakeNational Wildlife Refuge
Now it’s time to put our learning into practice! We’ll head outdoors for guided fieldwork and observations, exploring the seasonal patterns of the plants and animals around us.
🕒 Wrap-Up
3:00 p.m. We’ll conclude our day of discovery and reflection.
🌞 A Few Notes Before You Come
Facilities: Please note that the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and conservation learning center are currently closed due to the government shutdown. Plan ahead for restroom and water needs.
Weather: The forecast looks great—mostly sunny with a high near 88°F and no rain expected.
What to Bring: Your own lunch, plenty of water, and anything else you’ll need to stay comfortable outdoors. Cameras encouraged!
📩 Questions?
Reach out to David Hoover at: 📧 dhoover7969@sbcglobal.net 📞 318-605-2548
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, learn from an expert, and contribute to citizen science. We hope you’ll join us for a day of curiosity, community, and discovery! 🌎✨
Louisiana Master Naturalists - Northeast 