First Saturday of the month • Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Bastrop-Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noonThe park will host the Bartholomew Dutch Oven Society, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more.
www.ladutch.com

Second Saturday of the Month • Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline-Dutch Oven Cooking, 10 a.m. - noon.The park will host the Bayou Pots, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a cooking demonstration and sampling. Participants can learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, the actual Dutch oven pots and much more. For more information call 888.677.2478 toll free or 318.745.3503 locally.

Third Saturday of Each Month • Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Farmerville-Dutch Oven Cooking, 9 a.m.The Louisiana Dutch Oven Society promotes the opportunity for all Dutch oven cooks to gather and improve their skills through friendly Dutch Oven Gatherings. All visitors are invited to attend. For more information call 888.677.5200 toll free or 318.368.2086 locally.

4/4/2020 • Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield-Battle of Pleasant Hill Presentation, 11 a.m.Visitors will learn about this largest Civil War engagement on the Mississippi involving over 30,000 troops. A large-screen presentation by the park historian featuring photos, battlefield maps, will be included. For more information call 888.677.6267 toll free or 318.872.1474 locally.

4/4/2020 • Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Epps-Primitive Fire Starting, 11 a.m.Visitors will learn how the Native Americans of Poverty Point may have created fire more than 3,500 years ago. Without electricity, the ability to start fires from scratch would have been an essential part of everyday life. Demonstrations will include the use of a bow drill to start a fire. For more information call 888.926.5492 toll free or 318.926.5492 locally.

4/18/2020 • Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield-Battlefield Tour and Living History, Tour at 2 p.m., living history program 10 - 2To commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Mansfield, park staff will conduct a special guided tour of the Mansfield battlefield and living history presentation. This will feature the typical uniform and equipment soldiers wore and carried in the field, along with musket loading and firing demonstrations. For more information call 888.677.6267 toll free or 318.872.1474 locally.

4/25/2020 • Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield-Park Day, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.In partnership with the American Battlefield Trust, volunteers wishing to donate time and a little labor are needed to help park staff with outdoor tasks such as light trail maintenance and park grounds cleanup. Work gloves and outdoor clothing/footwear recommended. Volunteer space is limited; pre-registration is required by April 19. For more information call 888.677.6267 toll free or 318.872.1474 locally.

Fourth Saturday of the month • Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville-Dutch Oven Cooking/Civil War Dulcimer Music, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.The park will host the Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers, for a cooking demonstration, with sampling to begin at 11:30 a.m. While participants learn about this increasingly-popular form of cooking, they can also enjoy live music by the Red River Dulcimer Ensemble from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 877.677.7437 toll free or 318.484.2390 locally.

By appointment • Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville-Exploring the Forts in Detail, A ranger guided tour of both Forts Randolph and Buhlow. The visitors would also be able to enter the winter quarters exhibit to see how the soldiers lived. They can also try on some of the clothing and equipment the troops used. At least a two days’ notice is required to schedule one of these special ranger guided tours. Tour fee is $8 per person. For more information call 877.677.7437 toll free or 318.484.2390 locally.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches-Costumed Guided Tours, Hourly 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.Upon availability of a costumed ranger and/or volunteer, daily hourly tours will be offered - weather permitting. Fee for tours is $8 per person ages four and up. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 318.357.3101 locally.

4/25/2020 • Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches-Spring on the Frontier, 10 a.m. . - 4 p.m.Visitors to the site are welcomed to tour the site, visit with re-enactors, and enjoy a day in the Spring activities. Weather permitted. Special event pricing, ages 4 and up will be $5 per person. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 318.357.3101 locally.

2nd Saturday of the Month • Palmetto Island State Park, Abbeville-Latanier Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration, 9 a.m.Greetin´, Meetin´, Cookin´ & Eatin´. Join Latanier Cookers for a variety of Dutch Oven side dishes and desserts. Bring your ice chest and lawn chair. Pots go on the coals from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.; Pots on the table at Noon. No charge for tasting. Donations are always welcome. Entry fee into the park applies. No Pets allowed. For more information call 888.677.0094 toll free or 337.893.3930 locally.

Fourth Saturday of the Month • Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles-Le Chien Dutch Oven Cookers, 9 a.m.The Le Chien Cookers promote the opportunity for all Dutch Oven cooks to gather and better their skills through friendly Dutch Oven Gatherings (DOG). Public is welcome. For more information call 888.677.7264 toll free or 337.855.2665 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Become a Junior Ranger, Two 30-minute activities about nature will be offered for children of school age. Younger children and adults are welcome to attend as well! Get two punches on your Junior Ranger card at one program. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Upon Request • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-School Outreach Programs, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Interpretive staff is available for outreach programs throughout Acadiana. Examples of current outreach programs include: Children´s Fun and Games in the 1800´s, Meet a Coureur de Bois (hunter/trapper who lived off the land), What do I Wear? (the hows and whys to 19th century clothing), The Life of a 19th Century Acadian Child, and This is Unbewaeveable!(a lesson on weaving and chair caning). Interpretive staff may also work with teachers to create specific programs. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Wednesdays - Saturdays • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-Living History Tours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Hourly guided tours are available which highlight the lifestyle of the average Acadian immigrant/settler and the Creole plantation farmer who settled along the Bayou Teche in the mid 1800´s. After a brief introductory video, visitors will take a guided tour of the Olivier Plantation Home. Along the way, visitors will also learn first-hand about the different gardens located within Longfellow including our efforts to promote native plants and establish pollinator habitats. Fee for tour is $8 per person ages 4 and up. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-1st Saturday Community Days, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.In an effort to strengthen community ties, residents of St. Martinville (showing proof of residence) will be able to enjoy the grounds and site without incurring the standard entrance fee. Have a picnic, go for a walk, ride bicycles; the opportunities are endless. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Thursdays • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-Living History Thursdays School Groups, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.School groups are invited to tour the historic site on Thursdays throughout the school year. Led by guides in period appropriate costumes, students will tour the Maison Olivier. Students will then continue to the Acadian Cabin in order to better compare plantation life to the life of an Acadian Yeoman farmer. Demonstrations on spinning, weaving, furs/hides, candle making, blacksmithing and the firing of black powder weapons are typically available upon request. *Preregistration is required. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Wednesdays • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-Living History Wednesday: En Francais, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Preregistered school and home school groups are invited to take a French-immersed guided tour on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Students will view a brief video about site in French. Students will then be led throughout the Interpretive Center which houses displays written in French. Along with a French-speaking guide in period appropriate costumes, students will then tour the Maison Olivier and Acadian Cabin. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville-Living History Friday; Home School Groups, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Home school groups are welcome to tour the site any Friday during the school year. Led by guides in period appropriate costumes, students will tour the site and witness demonstrations on spinning, weaving, furs/hides, candle making, blacksmithing and the firing of black powder weapons are typically available upon request. Preregistration is required. For more information call 888.677.2900 toll free or 337.394.3754 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Guided Hike, 2 p.m.Join us for a guided walk along the arboretum trails. Visitors will learn about the flora and fauna found in the arboretum. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

3rd Saturday of the Month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Nature for Kids, 10 a.m.Join the site naturalist to learn about a different nature topic every month and make a craft to take home. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Second Saturday of the month • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Bird Hike, 9 a.m.Visitors will be given a brief introduction to bird watching and binocular to use followed by a trail walk to search for birds. Binoculars available on a first come, first served basis. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

4/11/2020 • Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles-Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 0-12. Games, Food trucks, etc and lots and lots of eggs to find. For more information call 888.677.7264 toll free or 337.855.2665 locally.

4/11/2020 • Chicot State Park, Ville Platte-Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m.The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

4/18/2020 • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Foraging for Wild Edibles, 2 p.m.Join our site naturalist to explore the trails of the arboretum and learn some basic guidelines that will ensure that foraging remains safe and sustainable. Foraging for wild food is a great way to experience the natural world. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

4/25/2020 • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Native Wildflowers, 2 p.m.Explore which native wildflowers are best for your growing conditions and why planting them can be so rewarding. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

4/25/2020 • Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte-Guided Canoe Tour, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.Join the site naturalist for a guided canoe tour of Chicot Lake. Canoeing experience is recommended. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Participants may bring own canoe but must also register. You may bring your own canoe but still need to register. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

4/25/2020 • Chicot State Park, Ville Platte-Guided Canoe Tour, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.Join the site naturalist for a guided canoe tour of Chicot Lake. Canoeing experience is recommended. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Participants may bring own canoe but must also register. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free or 337.363.6289 locally.

Wednesdays - Sundays • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville-House Tour, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Site Staff and volunteers will guide visitors on a tour of the 1815 Oakley Plantation House. The tour will encompass some of the 204 years of the house, along with the life and times of the artist naturalist John James Audubon and his time spent at the home. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville-Daily House Tour, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Site Staff will guide visitors on a tour of the Rosedown Main House. The tour will encompass the 120 years of ownership by the Turnbull-Bowman Family, the restoration and ownership of the property by the Underwoods of Houston, and the purchase and ownership of the property by the State of Louisiana. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson-First Saturday Hike - Artillery Ridge, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.A Ranger-led walk in the footsteps where four Union Brigades launched their frontal charges against Bennett´s Redoubt, Alabama-Arkansas Redoubt, and Commissary Hill. Tour fee is $4 plus regular park admission. For more information call 888.677.3400 toll free or 225.654.3775 locally.

4/3/2020 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville-A Bird´s Life, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.This two station program introduces Home School students to the world of birds. They will discover how they live, how they interact with the world, and what they in turn provide for us without our even noticing! Included is a chance to play games of worm hunting, and taking home a bird feeder they make themselves. Program level grades 1-5. Outdoor. Program length approximately 1 hour. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

First Saturday of the Month • Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson-First Saturday Hike: Fort Babcock, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.A ranger-guided hike where visitors will learn about the horrific frontal charge that allowed a small group of soldiers from the 75th New York Infantry to gain a small piece of high ground and duel with the veteran rackensacker sharpshooters of Arkansas. For more information call 888.677.3400 toll free or 225.654.3775 locally.

4/5/2020 • Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville-Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m.Easter was an important holiday that was celebrated here at Rosedown. Children will be able to roam the grounds looking for eggs and enjoy 19th century games. Prizes will be awarded for the egg hunt. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.

4/6/2020 • Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, St. Francisville-National Tartan Day, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.National Tartan Day honors and celebrates Scottish culture and the role it has played in the development of the United States. Daniel Turnbull, who built Rosedown Plantation, was of Scottish descent. On this day Rosedown will fly the Turnbull Clan flag and decorate the house in the Turnbull Clan tartan. The public is invited to dress in their family tartans to help celebrate National Tartan Day. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free or 225.635.3332 locally.

4/18/2020 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville-Civil War Living History, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.See the Civil War in Louisiana come to life as volunteers from the 10th Brigade of Louisiana State Militia will be on hand showing life for the typical Confederate soldier. See the kitchens of Oakley Plantation in use as prepare the soldiers meal using period recipes and techniques. The program is included with the standard park grounds fee. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

4/22/2020 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville-Be Nice to Bees! - Earth Day, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.This program geared toward Home School Students will be an introduction to bees. Students will discover how they live, how they interact with the world, and what they in turn provide for us without our even noticing! Included is a chance to make a small bees wax candle and taste different kinds of honey. Program level grades 1-5. Outdoor. Program length approximately 1 hour. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

4/26/2020 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville-The Dead of Locust Grove Cemetery, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.Visit one of the many historic cemeteries in Louisiana and learn about the inhabitants of Locust Grove Plantation. The plantation once owned by Luther Smith and Anna Davis Smith, sister of Jefferson Davis, became the final resting place for many figures important in the early history of Louisiana. Experience history through figures like Sarah Knox Taylor, the daughter of President Zachary Taylor and short lived wife of Jefferson Davis, who died at Locust Grove Plantation. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

Second Saturday of the month • Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton-Dutch Oven Cooking, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Join the Bogue Chitto Dutch Oven Cookers, a chapter of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, for a Dutch Oven Gathering, as they prepare a variety of dishes in this outdoor cooking method that is growing in popularity.
www.ladutch.com

Fairview - Riverside State Park, Madisonville-Otis House Museum Tours, Wed. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat. 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.A guided tour of Otis House c.1885 shares local history and numerous aspects of industry and lifestyle of the 1885-1935 time span. A theme of technology and cultural change connects the eras represented with artifact displays and illustrations. Tour is beneficial to both the general public and school students. Grade specific lesson plans containing pre and post visit activities are available. For more information call 888.677.3247 toll free or 985.845.3318 locally.