LAKE MAUREPAS COMMUNITY FUND FIELD TRIPS
In partnership with Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station and the
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation

 
 

Teachers in Livingston, St. John the Baptist, and Tangipahoa parishes can take their classes on field trips to the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station on Lake Maurepas through a $200,000 grant from the Air Products Lake Maurepas Community Fund to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF).

The LAWFF will use the funds to distribute grants to qualified schools to cover the costs of field trips to the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station in the wetlands on Pass Manchac. This natural pass connects Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, which are run by researchers at Southeastern Louisiana University who focus on the lake's ecology.

**** IMPORTANT ****
Please read all the information below before submitting your grant request. There is essential information you need to know before finalizing your grant request.

 
 

  • Air Product's Lake Maurepas Community Fund donates $1 million annually to eligible non-profit organizations supporting ecological, educational, and recreational improvements for those who live, work, and visit the Lake Maurepas area. The Fund supports efforts that contribute to the health, safety, and enjoyment of Lake Maurepas with a focus on communities in Livingston, St. John the Baptist, and Tangipahoa Parishes.

    • School transportation costs (bus, driver, mileage, etc.)

    • Lunches and refreshments (coordinated by the school/teacher)

    • Activities during the visit to Turtle Cove

  • A typical field trip starts with a short lecture and discussion on the wetlands ecosystem and the physical and biological aspects of the Manchac wetlands. Then the group will board a 40-foot pontoon boat for a trip to the wetlands surrounding the research station, where students will have the opportunity to see the natural flora and fauna of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. Topics discussed include wetlands ecology, bald cypress and marsh restoration, and plant and animal adaptations to the wetlands environment.

    Each student will receive a life jacket funded by Air Products to use and take home after the trip, along with additional educational material.

    • Students will learn about various topics related to the ecology of local wetlands and environmental science.

    • Various wetland plants and wildlife that could include alligators, birds, nutria, snakes, and fish.

  • Any 3rd through 12th grade teacher with a school in Livingston, St. John the Baptist, or Tangipahoa Parish.

  • Each group is limited to approximately 30 people. Double groups (up to 65-70 individuals) can be booked on the same day if Turtle Cove staff resources are available.

  • Turtle Cove field trips are available year-round on certain days of the week, depending on the time of the school year and the availability of Turtle Cove staff. Trips must be scheduled within 12 months of receiving a grant.

  • Approximately three and a half hours. Time frames for the entire trip are somewhat variable, but most groups follow the standard time frame of approximately arriving 9:00 am and departing at 12:30 pm. 12:30 pm is the latest ending time.

  • Among other necessary items, remember to bring your own water, food, and mosquito spray and to dress appropriately for the weather (hat/sunscreen for hot; jacket for cold). Binoculars help view wildlife. While on the pontoon boat, children aged 15 and younger must wear life jackets. Everyone wears life jackets while in canoes and other vessels.  Life jackets will be provided. 

 
 

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Click on the "Apply for a Grant" button below.

  2. Please read ALL Turtle Cove material before submitting your grant application.

  3. Fill out the grant application form and submit it.

  4. If you qualify, you will be emailed a grant award letter with your next steps.

  5. DO NOT register for your field trip with Turtle Cove until you have received your reward letter.