New Orleans Program, Vol. 1 - National Science Teachers Association

Conference Program
Field Trips
90
T-1 Audubon Zoo
—Photo coutesty of Audubon Zoo
T-6 Michoud Assembly Facility
—Photo coutesty of Lockheed Martin
Tickets for field trips may be purchased (space per-
mitting) at the Ticket Sales Counter in the NSTA
Registration Area. Meet your field trip leader 15
minutes prior to departure time in the lobby outside
Exhibit Hall A at the Convention Center (at the
beginning of the loop closest to the Hilton).
Behind the Scenes at Audubon Zoo $53
T-1 Thursday, March 19 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
SOLD OUT
One of the country’s top-ranked zoos, Audubon Zoo offers an exotic
mix of animals from around the globe, engaging natural habitats, lush
gardens and resting spots, the mystical Louisiana swamp, and “handson”
animal encounters. With innovative natural habitat exhibits and an
animal collection ranging from the unique white alligators to the highly
endangered Amur leopard, Audubon Zoo has become one of the Gulf
South’s favorite family gathering spots.
Come get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Audubon
Zoo. Take a guided tour and get a sneak peek at the staff areas behind
some of our most popular exhibits. We’ll also get a look at what it takes
to care for all of the animals and meet some special zoo residents. Bring
your camera and comfortable walking shoes for this rare opportunity.
Some behind-the-scenes areas are not handicapped accessible, but participants
with limited mobility should be able to enjoy most of the tour.
(www.auduboninstitute.org) (Limit: 53)
Reintroducing Nourishment to Coastal Louisiana: The Davis
Pond Freshwater Diversion Structure $63
T-2 Thursday, March 19 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
The state of Louisiana is losing 10 square miles of coastal wetlands
each year due to natural (sea level rise, subsidence) and man-made
(levees, oil, and gas canals) causes. Diverting fresh water into eroded
coastal wetlands is one method being used to halt the erosion. Fresh
water establishes favorable salinity conditions, improves fish and wildlife
production, enhances wetland vegetative growth, and reduces coastal
wetland loss.
On this tour of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project, we’ll
walk over large culverts that divert the mighty Mississippi’s fresh water
into the Barataria Basin. Airboats wait at the Highway 90 boat launch
to quickly take us to the diversion’s ponding area and into Lake Cataouatche.
There our guide will discuss ecosystem issues and the benefits
of freshwater diversions. Before returning to the boat launch, we’ll travel
down scenic Cypress Lumber Canal, where old-growth oaks and a
cypress swamp have existed for centuries.
Be sure to wear your walking shoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars
are also recommended. The trip will be canceled if it rains.
(Limit: 30)
SOLD OUT