The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is launching a bold new effort to open Louisiana’s wildlife management areas (WMAs), refuges, and conservation lands to a wider audience. This program will help to highlight and improve activities that these nontraditional users can participate in such as:

• camping

• hiking

• canoeing/kayaking

• wildlife watching

• photography
  The Nature and Science Center will foster education, creativity, and environmental stewardship among visitors through interactive,
  hands-on exhibits and programs that highlight the state’s rich biodiversity and promote environmental awareness.  
  

Geaux Play Outdoors is developing:

Beginner-Friendly Resources: New literature and video guides for safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.

• Wildlife Viewing Hub: A dedicated and advanced website featuring how-to articles species info, and upcoming events across Louisiana’s wmas, refuges, and conservation lands.

• Outdoor Education in Louisiana Schools: In partnership with the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, LDWF is helping students learn skills like birding, camping, and orienteering through curriculum-aligned lessons.

• On-the-Ground Improvements: Watch for trail improvements, new photography blinds, nature trails, wildlife viewing towers, and canoe/kayak trails— all designed to enhance your outdoor experience.

• Conservation Message: LDWF will showcase its conservation work through newly developed literature and signage and interpretive programs and events.

Help Us Grow the Movement

Your donations will help LDWF develop a statewide education and outreach program designed to encourage everyone—regardless of background or experience—to explore Louisiana’s incredible outdoors.  Whether it’s birding, hiking, camping, canoeing, outdoor foraging, nature photography, or simply enjoying a walk through the woods, this program helps make the outdoors more accessible and inspiring for all. 

For more information or to get involved, contact Chuck Jones at 318-243-2157 or cjones@wlf.la.gov