L.A.R.E. Educational Events

Upcoming Educational Events


April 27, 2024 - Sweet Tea and Free Trees Outreach Event, Pearl River


Past Educational Events

July 27, 2013 - L.A.R.E. gave an hour long multimedia presentation to a group of 20+ Acadiana trail runners on identification and natural history of snakes that they may come across on their runs. They were particularly interested in telling venomous species from nonvenomous ones, though most in attendance seemed to appreciate the place for both types. By the end of the presentation, they were quizzed and did very well on telling venomous species apart from nonvenomous ones. Everyone was very appreciative, and we left it as a possible yearly thing we would do as there are many new faces to the group each year.

April 26, 2014 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and highlighted our herp inventory efforts at the park. We had over 25 species of native amphibians and reptiles on display for educational purposes. The event was very successful and we were busy for the entire time of the festival.

April 11, 2015 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and highlighted our herp inventory efforts at the park. We had over 25 species of native amphibians and reptiles on display for educational purposes. The event was very successful and we were busy for the entire time of the festival. We gave out several of our L.A.R.E. 2015 calendars for free to very enthusiastic kids.

October 17, 2015 - L.A.R.E. had a booth at the 18th Annual Wild Things event in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of over 40 vendors educating the thousands of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had live salamanders, turtles and snakes on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles. It was a busy day for our members working the booth and a huge success!

March 5, 2016 - L.A.R.E. assisted in a workshop and field trip at Sam Houston Jones State Park on amphibians and reptiles given for the Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalists group.

March 12, 2016 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at Arbor Day at Tuten Park in Lake Charles. L.A.R.E. exhibited some native amphibians and reptiles and educated the attendees about this group of fascinating, important animals. 

March 30, 2016 - L.A.R.E. gave a workshop on snakes, lizards, and turtles at the Acadiana Park Nature Station to the Acadiana Louisiana Master Naturalists group.

April 2, 2016 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and highlighted our herp inventory efforts at the park that culminated in a full-color pamphlet that was given out. We had many species of native amphibians and reptiles on display for educational purposes. We gave out free L.A.R.E. stickers and bookmarks to anyone who wanted them.

May 21, 2016 - L.A.R.E. was present to educate all those in attendance and participating in the snake rodeo in East Carroll Parish on the importance of snakes in the ecosystem. We had live snakes to show and other educational materials to present and give out. Plenty folks, young and old, visited our tent throughout the event and it was a first step in hoping to change the hearts and minds of folks in the area to appreciate snakes and not persecute them.

October 15, 2016 - L.A.R.E. had a booth at the 19th Annual Wild Things event in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of many vendors educating the thousands of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had live frogs, salamanders, turtles and snakes on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles. Just like last year the event was a huge success!

February 4, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up a couple of tables in the swamp exhibit at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA, to commemorate World Wetlands Day. Six L.A.R.E. volunteers spent the day educating folks about the importance of conservation of Louisiana’s wild amphibian and reptile populations.

March 11, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to be a vendor at the weekly farmer’s market at the Horse Farm in Lafayette. We brought a few snakes as well as some frogs, turtles and salamanders. The threat of rain put a damper on the crowds but we still had many folks come by the booth and hold the snakes and get educated. We also gave a short presentation on snake myths and misconceptions as well as snake conservation and safety.

March 31, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give presentations on snakes to kindergarteners at an elementary school near Baton Rouge.

April 22, 2017 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and highlighted our herp inventory efforts at the park that culminated in a full-color pamphlet that was given out. We had a few species of native snakes on display for educational purposes. We gave out free L.A.R.E. stickers and bookmarks to anyone who wanted them.

May 13, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give a field herpetology workshop to Acadiana Master Naturalists in the Indian Bayou area of the Atchafalaya Basin.

May 20, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to assist at the Audubon Nature Center Bioblitz in New Orleans East. Several LARE members were present to help with herps and other species.

September 16, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the 1st Annual Feliciana Wildlife Expo. We had a booth with plenty of our native live animals and educational materials and freebies.

September 23, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the Pearl River Clean Sweep 2017. We had a booth with plenty of our native live animals and educational materials and freebies.

October 13, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give presentations on snakes to kindergarteners at an elementary school near Baton Rouge.

October 14, 2017 - L.A.R.E. had a booth at the 20th Annual Wild Things event in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of many vendors educating the thousands of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had live frogs, salamanders, and snakes on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.

October 28, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had several snakes, salamanders, and frogs on display along with other educational activities, freebies, and candy for the kids.

November 4, 2017 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in an event at the main branch of the Iberville Parish Library. We brought our usual educational materials and freebies along with several snakes, frogs and salamanders.

January 27, 2018 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at Arbor Day at Tuten Park in Lake Charles. L.A.R.E. exhibited some native amphibians and reptiles and educated the attendees about this group of fascinating, important animals.

February 17, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up a few tables in the swamp exhibit at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA, to commemorate World Wetlands Day. Six L.A.R.E. volunteers spent the day educating folks about the importance of conservation of Louisiana’s wild amphibian and reptile populations.

March 3, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to speak to gardeners at All Seasons Nursery in Lafayette about some of the amphibians and reptiles that they may encounter. We spoke about the importance of amphibian and reptiles in the environment and gave out a bunch of freebies to interested attendees.

March 17, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to co-lead a field trip for LA Soar Outdoor Adventure Kids at Acadiana Park and Nature Center in Lafayette. There were about 10 young kids and their parents on the hike. We had a great time showing the kids the various critters we came upon and talking about their identification and natural history.

March 24, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to speak to the Central LA Master Naturalists class about amphibians and reptiles at Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery. After the morning lectures and lunch, the class was led on a short field trip aimed at finding amphibians and reptiles.

April 7, 2018 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and had a few species of native snakes on display for educational purposes along with a few native turtles and salamanders. We had coloring sheets for the kids to color and we gave out free L.A.R.E. stickers, magnets and bookmarks.

May 4, 2018 - L.A.R.E. educated about 70 3rd graders at a Lafayette school about amphibians and reptiles, particularly snakes. The kids were very attentive and asked great questions and the vast majority held both our kingsnake and cornsnake around their necks!

June 9, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in an event at the main branch of the Iberville Parish Library. We brought our usual educational materials and freebies along with several snakes, turtles and salamanders.

July 14, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate at Reptile Day at the Louisiana State Arboretum at Chicot State Park. We brought our usual educational materials and freebies along with several snakes, turtles and salamanders. It was a first time event that we will try to make each year!

September 15, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Feliciana Wildlife Expo. We had a booth with plenty of our native live animals, our invasive exotic Cuban Treefrog for awareness, turtle shells and other educational materials and freebies.

September 22, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was again invited to participate in the Pearl River Clean Sweep. We had a booth with plenty of our native live animals and educational materials and freebies.

October 13, 2018 - L.A.R.E. had a booth at the 21st Annual Wild Things event in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of many vendors educating the 6,000+ of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had several live snakes, turtles, salamanders, and a frog on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.

October 27, 2018 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had several snakes, turtles, salamanders, and a frog on display. We had a coloring table replete with our very own LARE-illustrated native herps to color along with other educational activities and freebies.

Jan. 19, 2019 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at Arbor Day at Tuten Park in Lake Charles. L.A.R.E. exhibited some native snakes, gave away from free coloring sheets, stickers, magnets, and our new rack cards. It was cold, so not as many folks as in past years, but we educated a bunch of kids and adults on this group of fascinating, important animals.

Feb. 9, 2019 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at Snake Wedding at Lafayette Science Museum. Over 1,000 visitors came through that day and kept us very busy. The coloring sheets were very popular as was Boots, our cornsnake. We gave out our new rack cards as well as stickers and magnets.

Feb. 12, 2019 - L.A.R.E. presented to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Biology Club. The history of L.A.R.E. as well as all things that L.A.R.E. has done or produced were discussed. Abby the Speckled Kingsnake, Cosmo the Western Ratsnake, and Snappy the Alligator Snapping Turtle were shown to the students, who seemed to enjoy them very much and asked plenty of good questions.

March 23, 2019 - L.A.R.E. had a booth for the STEAM Showcase at Park Forest Middle School in Baton Rouge. Besides the typical educational materials and freebies given away, we had Sinbad the Speckled Kingsnake, Electra the Cuban Treefrog, and Bernie the Tiger Salamander to show off.

March 23, 2019 - L.A.R.E. assisted with a herp hike for the Fete de la Nature event at Atelier de la Nature in Arnaudville.

March 29, 2019 - L.A.R.E. gave four 30-min presentations at the 4-H Achievement Day in Acadia Parish at Midland High School. We had a short PowerPoint that talked about amphibiana and reptile diversity in LA, as well as snake safety. Then we showed each class the animals, including Sinbad, a Scarlet Kingsnake, Electra, and Bernie.

April 13, 2019 - L.A.R.E. led a herp hike at the Fete de la Nature in Arnaudville.

April 13, 2019 - L.A.R.E. was invited to speak to the Central LA Master Naturalists class about amphibians and reptiles at Southern Forest Heritage Museum. After the morning lectures and lunch, the class was led on a short field trip aimed at finding amphibians and reptiles.

April 27, 2019 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park. We promoted L.A.R.E. and had a few species of native snakes on display as well as some frogs and a turtle for educational purposes. We had coloring sheets for the kids to color and we gave out free L.A.R.E. stickers and magnets. Our rack cards were available to promote the group. This was our first event with our new branded canopy and roll-up banner.

May 18, 2019 - L.A.R.E. was asked to co-lead a workshop to the Acadiana Master Naturalists at Avery Island. We had a great time and saw a good diversity of hers during the day.

September 21, 2019 - L.A.R.E. was again invited to participate in the Pearl River Clean Sweep. We had a booth with native snakes, other educational materials and freebies.

October 12, 2019 - L.A.R.E. had an outdoor booth at the 22nd Annual Wild Things event in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of many vendors educating the 6,000+ of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had several live snakes, turtles, a salamander, and a frog on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.

October 26, 2019 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had a snake, turtle, salamander, and a frog on display. We had a coloring table replete with our very own LARE-illustrated native herps to color along with other educational activities and freebies.

October 31, 2019 - L.A.R.E. was asked to participate in Boo Bash at the Childrens Museum of St. Tammany in Mandeville. Two volunteers brought some snakes and arthropods to show and teach the kids in attendance.

February 9, 2020 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up a few tables near the entrance of the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA, to commemorate World Wetlands Day. Four L.A.R.E. volunteers spent the day educating folks about the importance of conservation of Louisiana’s wild amphibian and reptile populations.

March 10, 2020 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give a herp presentation to a Cub Scout Pack in Hammond. Three volunteers gave a presentation and educated over 70 kids and displayed live animals.

July 23, 2020 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give a herp presentation at Destrehan Plantation to a summer camp learning about Louisiana plants and animals. It went well and the kids got to see a few live animals, learn some things, and leave with some L.A.R.E. swag.

April 15, 2021 - L.A.R.E. was invited to a STEAM event at Denham Springs Junior High School, which was like a career day but for folks in the fields of STEAM. Students were able to visit various professionals on a rotating schedule that would talk about their careers. L.A.R.E. gave a presentation about being a herpetologist and also about the L.A.R.E. group to a full classroom four times and was able to show the kids a live alligator snapping turtle, tiger salamander, and cornsnake. L.A.R.E. gave out stickers, coloring pages, magnets and nearly 100 venomous snake posters.

April 30, 2021 - L.A.R.E. was invited to give back to back presentations at Holy Cross Primary School in New Orleans first to PreK-1st graders and then 2nd-4th graders about the amphibians and reptiles of Louisiana. It went very well and the students got to see several of our outreach animals, and was left a bunch of stickers, coloring sheets, and posters for the teachers to distribute the following week.

May 8, 2021 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up a tent at the Explore Nature Event at North Park in Denham Springs. It was a beautiful day and we educated those in attendance about Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles using some of our native live herp ambassadors and other materials. Folks were also able to take stickers, coloring sheets, and our new venomous snakes poster at the event.

June 22, 2021 - L.A.R.E. was once again invited to give a herp presentation at Destrehan Plantation to a summer camp learning about Louisiana plants and animals. It went well and the kids got to see a few live animals, learn some things, and leave with some L.A.R.E. swag, including our new venomous snakes posters.

October 30, 2021 - L.A.R.E. was invited to participate once again in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had a few snakes, a couple turtles, a salamander, and a frog on display. We had a coloring table replete with our very own LARE-illustrated native herps to color along with other educational activities and freebies, including our Venomous Snakes of Louisiana poster.

May 14, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was again invited to set up a tent at the Explore Nature Event at North Park in Denham Springs. It was a beautiful day and we educated those in attendance about Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles using some of our native live herp ambassadors and other materials. Folks were also able to take stickers, coloring sheets, and our venomous snakes poster at the event.

June 11, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up a booth at a Boy Scouts recruiting event in Lafayette. We had live amphibians and reptiles and our typical swag to give out to the kids.

August 20, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up at booth at the inaugural Wonders of Wildlife event at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in Baton Rouge. About 250 people came through to see the displays and animals we brought. And we gave out a bunch of sticker, magnets and venomous snakes posters!

October 16, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was invited to set up at booth 4-H Jr. Leader Fall Festival in Abbeville. It was a great day. The kids loved all of the animals and we gave out a bunch of sticker, magnets and venomous snakes posters!

October 29, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was once again invited to participate in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had several critters on display and a coloring table replete with our very own LARE-illustrated native herps to color along with other educational activities and freebies.

October 30, 2022 - L.A.R.E. was asked to participate in Boo Bash at the Childrens Museum of St. Tammany in Mandeville. L.A.R.E. volunteers brought some critters to show and teach the kids in attendance. And some free L.A.R.E. merch was given out as well.

April 1, 2023 - L.A.R.E. was asked to participate in the Spring into Action event at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in New Orleans East. Live animals were displayed and free swag was given to attendees.

April 1, 2023 - L.A.R.E. was invited to and helped present a herp workshop at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman event held at Camp Grant Walker.

April 15, 2023 - L.A.R.E. was invited to help lead the herp portion of the bioblitz at the Fete de la Nature BioBlitz and Crawfish Benefit in Arnaudville.

April 15, 2023 - L.A.R.E. again had a vendor booth at the Stir the Pot Seafood Festival and Cook-off at Palmetto Island State Park in Abbeville. We promoted L.A.R.E. and had a few species of native snakes on display as well as some frogs and a turtle for educational purposes. We had coloring sheets for the kids to color and we gave out free L.A.R.E. magnets and venomous snakes posters. Our rack cards were available to promote the group.

April 29, 2023 - L.A.R.E. had a vendor booth at the inaugural Sweet Tea and Free Trees event in Pearl River. L.A.R.E. had lots of live native animals on display as well as free swag.

May 13, 2023 - L.A.R.E. set up a tent at the Explore Nature Event at North Park in Denham Springs. It was a beautiful day and we educated those in attendance about Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles using some of our native live herp ambassadors and other materials. Folks were also able to take stickers, coloring sheets, and our venomous snakes poster at the event.

August 19, 2023 - L.A.R.E. participated at the Wonders of Wildlife event again at BREC Bluebonnet Swamp in Baton Rouge. Many people came through to see the displays and native animals we brought. And we gave out a bunch of stickers and magnets!

October 14, 2023 - L.A.R.E. had an outdoor booth at the 23rd Wild Things event after a long hiatus due to COVID in Lacombe, LA, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. We were one of many vendors educating the 7,000+ of visitors about native wildlife, conservation, and other nature-related activities. We had several live snakes, turtles, frogs, and a salamander on display along with several age-appropriate activities and quizzes concerning Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles and our free swag, including our new printed fact sheets.

October 28, 2023 - L.A.R.E. was once again invited to participate in the Halloween Art and Nature Festival at Atelier de la Nature near Arnaudville. We had several critters on display as well as our swag including our new printed fact sheets.

Octover 29, 2023 - L.A.R.E. was asked to participate in Boo Bash at the Childrens Museum of St. Tammany in Mandeville. L.A.R.E. volunteers brought some critters to show and teach the kids in attendance. And some free L.A.R.E. merch was given out as well.

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