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 Click on thumbnails to view larger images.
*Boat tours may not be available.
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| Educational Tours Louisiana's most historic wetland habitat is the perfect place to learn about and celebrate history, biology and swamp ecology. Some 10,000 students visit us each year from all parts of Louisiana and neighboring states. Alligator Bayou, located in the 17,000-acre Spanish Lake Basin, is on the Mississippi River Flyway, so this habitat teems with life. Students get acquainted with resident and migratory birds, nutria, gators, snakes, the cycles of the swamp and the importance of preserving the wilderness.
In this living classroom, all students can touch and pet several interesting swamp creatures.
The fenced and covered Alligator Queen is appropriate for all ages and is also handicap friendly. Tours on our 49-passenger boat are available year-round and scheduling is flexible.
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 Lesson Plans For Teachers
Alligator Bayou Tours offers school groups an exciting learning opportunity. Students of all ages are invited to enjoy an in-depth experience of Louisiana history, culture, ecology and wildlife while learning how to preserve this precious resource for their own children and future generations.
"Reclaiming Our Heritage: An Educator's Guide to Alligator Bayou & The Spanish Lake Basin" was created by Alligator Bayou and Bluff Swamp Wildlife Refuge through the support of the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was written for middle and high school students, but is adaptable to students of all ages. Each chapter features an introductory overview, diagrams and charts on a variety of lessons built around language, math, social studies and earth science.
Curriculum guides are available with your tour.
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Explore these chapter introductions to the curriculum guide.
The links below will bring you to our e-newsletter, The Gator Gazette.
Lesson plans will be uploaded soon.
- Introduction: Reclaiming Our Heritage read
- Chapter 2: Nature Sculpts the Wetlands: Geology and Hydrology of the Basin read
- Chapter 3: Living Inside the Basin: A Rich, Diverse Ecosystem read
- Chapter 4: Alligator Bayou, A Cradle of Cultures read
- Chapter 5: 200 Years: A Changing Landscape read
- Chapter 6: Environmental Impact: An Ecosystem at Risk read
- Chapter 7: What Can I Do? read
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Teachers with larger groups or those who would like additional resource instruction can also choose to include one (or more!) of our Alternate Activities. These options enable you to expand the lessons presented on the swamp tour. You can arrange these activities when you call to discuss your educational tour.
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ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES
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"It was a really good hands-on learning experience for the children. We experienced so many different things--plants and animals, the music, the history of zydeco. All of the children had a great time. They said it was awesome. It's the biggest outdoor classroom I've ever been to."
Laurell Cliburn,
Teacher & Trip Coordinator
Forest Heights Elementary School
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TURTLE AND ALLIGATOR EXHIBITS
A visit to the 2800-gallon Alligator Snapping Turtle Pond and the 15-acre Alligator EcoHabitat with staff naturalists along the viewing boardwalk.
CAJUN DANCERS
One to three couples, in costume, demonstrate Cajun dancing to the children and give them lessons.
WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR PRESENTATION
A licensed wildlife rehabilitator gives a presentation for approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Wildlife is included in this presentation.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN STORYTELLING AND DOLLMAKING
An African-American dollmaker talks about her life and heritage and shares her experiences through doll making.
NATURE WALKS
The walking tour is along the historic Alligator Bayou, where children see and learn about the species in this ancient backwater swamp.
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Bring along bag lunches to enjoy on our covered bayou-side pavilion!
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Alligator Bayou Tours
35019 Alligator Bayou Road
Prairieville, La. 70769
1-888-3SWAMPS
(225) 677-8297
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Corporate/Private Events