Nature Education
Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park is your place to connect with nature, featuring a visitor center with hands-on activities, live animal exhibits both indoors and out, and almost 5 miles of nature trails.
Trained staff and Volunteer Naturalists offer year-round programming that engage all ages in outdoor learning to create awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of the natural world. Offerings include a wide-variety of public programs, special events, and camps. We also offer field trips, presentations, and birthday parties by request.
Nature Education Programs
Public Programs
Discover the wonders of nature through a wide variety of nature-based programs and events for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Year-round programs such as annual events, camps, workshops, classes, and more offer the opportunity to connect with the natural world! Check out all the upcoming public programs in event calendar.
Programs by Request
Nature is a great place to learn, explore, and celebrate! Our programs are designed to bring learning to life with hands-on activities and direct experience with nature.
We offer nature education programs by request in the form of:
- Field Trips to the nature park for schools, scout troops, or other organized group
- Schoolyard Programs at your school, camp, or other facility
- Presentations for classrooms, clubs, or other organizations
- Naturalist booth with live animals at your event
- Birthday Parties
Programs are free of charge and are scheduled by request on a first come, first served basis. Use the form linked the button below to get a program scheduled.
Upcoming Nature Education Events
An Introduction To Acrylic Painting
J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Regional Visitor Center 700 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA, United StatesAn Introduction to Acrylic Painting Workshop DATE/TIME: Saturday, March 16, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm. Theme-Alligator Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm. Theme-Bird of Prey Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm. Theme-Plant WHERE: J. Bennett Johnston Waterways Visitor Center (700 Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Join Park Naturalist, Hulya Onel, and acrylic paint along with her at the park in ...
Morning Nature Hike
Eddie D. Jones Park 8400 Mike Clark Road 71047, Keithville, United StatesWant to look for wildlife and enjoy nature in the early morning? Join Park Naturalist Dillon Soderstrom, nature enthusiasts, and other wildlife watchers. This is a chance to come in and walk a trail on a semi guided hike early in the morning as the sun is coming up. Will begin at the pavilion for a brief overview of where ...
Intro to Archery
Richard Fleming Park 7919 W Lakeshore Dr., Shreveport, LA, United StatesParticipants will learn basic archery skills and shoot targets. Equipment provided. Ages 8-16. Program held at Richard Fleming Park, 7919 W Lakeshore Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107. You must call (318) 929-2806 to register. Space is limited.
Family Adventure Day
Richard Fleming Park 7919 W Lakeshore Dr., Shreveport, LA, United StatesEnjoy a day of fishing, canoeing, and archery. Rotate through activities at your leisure. All gear provided but you are welcome to bring your own. Bring a picnic lunch. Ages 6 & up only (no exceptions or tag-along younger siblings). For additional information, call Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park at (318) 929-2806.
Junior Naturalist Workshop
Red River National Wildlife Refuge 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, United StatesJoin Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park-Naturalist, Hulya Onel to study 6 basic biology subjects to become a Certified Junior Naturalist. The classes will be every other month. After completing all 6 courses, you will receive a certificate, a field guide of your choice as a reward and get to keep the course book prepared by the Naturalist, which contains ...
Recent Nature Education Posts
CADDO PARISH PARKS & RECREATION RELEASES SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM GUIDE
April 19, 2024Caddo Parish, LA – Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department has released the Summer 2024 Program Guide, highlighting fun and enriching opportunities for youth, adults, and families....
Register for Wild Child Summer Camp
March 18, 2024Wild Child Summer Camp is an award-winning, week-long day camp designed for kids ages 8-12 who love nature and want to increase knowledge and awareness of the natural world. This summer campers...
PARISH OF CADDO BREAKS GROUND ON STATE-OF-THE-ART NATURE FACILTY
September 20, 2023Caddo Parish, LA – On Wednesday, August 30, Caddo Parish administration and the Caddo Parish Commission welcomed local officials and community partners to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new...
Caddo Parish Parks & Recreation Releases Summer 2023 Program Guide
May 16, 2023Get up, get out and get moving! Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department has released it’s Summer 2023 Program Guide, highlighting fun and enriching opportunities for youth, adults, and...
PARISH OF CADDO TO HOST COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS ON WALTER B. JACOBS MEMORIAL NATURE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
May 16, 2023Caddo Parish, LA – Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation is seeking input from citizens across Caddo Parish on the new Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park improvements. Two community meetings will...
Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes Event Postponed
April 14, 2023Due to the threat of severe storms, the Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes event has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 13, 11am-3pm. More information: Imagine. Build. Explore. Enjoy a day in an...
Application period for Parish Summer Youth Worker Program opens April 2
April 5, 2023Caddo Parish, LA – Caddo Parish high school and college students are invited to apply for summer work opportunities with the Parish of Caddo. The Parish’s Summer Youth Worker Program provides job...
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Announces Winter 2022-2023 Programs and Activities
December 6, 2022Caddo Parish Parks & Recreation department is pleased to announce the Winter 2022-2023 Program Guide is now available. With of lots of special events and engaging programs, citizens will find...
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Announces Fall 2022 Programs and Activities
September 4, 2022Fall is on the way and the Caddo Parish Parks & Recreation department is pleased to announce the Fall 2022 Program Guide is now available. With of lots of special events and engaging...
Call for Artists at Art in the Park to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022
August 12, 2022Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department announces a call for artists for the annual Art in the Park event at Richard Fleming Park on Saturday, November 5 from noon-4:00pm. The event is “a...
July is Parks and Recreation Month
July 8, 2022The Caddo Parish Commission officially proclaims July as Parks and Recreation Month! Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building...
2022 Summer Programs & Activities Announced
May 17, 2022Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation is excited to announce another summer of quality, low-cost programs and services to the citizens of Caddo Parish. From youth football camps and sport clinics, to...
CADDO PARISH EARNS NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE, NATURE AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
May 16, 2022Caddo Parish, LA – The Parish of Caddo has been recognized with three National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county...
2022 Spring Programs Announced
March 14, 2022Spring is right around the corner and the Caddo Parish Parks & Recreation department is pleased to announce the Spring 2022 Program Guide is available. Citizens will find lots of new...
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation 2021 Annual Report
January 25, 2022Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the “2021 End of Year Final Report” is now available. This report provides a high-level overview of many of the department’s...
Call for Artists at Owl Night
December 7, 2021Call for Artists at Owl Night on February 12, 2022 Owl Night invites visitors to meet live owls and explore their night world! Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department announces a call for...
Winter Program Guide 2021-2022
December 2, 2021From fun and festive events to health and wellness programs, the Winter Program Guide has something for everyone. Offerings include athletic, fitness, arthritis intervention, and nature education...
2021 Fall Programs Guide
August 25, 2021Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation has announced an array of Fall programs/activities, and social distancing fitness activities for youth, adults, and families. You will find a variety of...
Call for Artists at Art in the Park
August 4, 2021Call for Artists at Art in the Park to be held on Saturday, November 6,, 2021 Art in the Park is an annual nature and wildlife art show and sale featuring all local artists from the...
Self-Guided Nature Exploration
July 16, 2021New to Caddo Parish Parks: Agents of Discovery! Try out this fun and unique way of learning about and exploring nature. Agents of Discovery is a free educational mobile game for families that...
2021 Summer Programs Guide
June 17, 2021We are excited to finally welcome back summer! We have been very busy planning a diverse slate of programs and events that will be held over the upcoming months, and are proud to share them with...
