Environmental Education
Follow Pelican Park Nature Club for exciting new adventures in 2026!
2026 Astronomy Events:
The Pelican Park Nature Book Club: This club meets monthly to discuss literature focused on the natural world. The inaugural meeting takes place at the Northlake Nature Center on January 15th at 6:00 p.m. , gathered around a campfire at the outdoor amphitheater, to discuss The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Multiple copies and eBooks are available through the St. Tammany Parish Library. Northshore Naturalist: Following its success last fall, this popular overnight program returns from April 24–26 with a similar itinerary of immersive outdoor activities. Participants can look forward to night hikes, expert-led field excursions, a canoe paddle, stargazing, and educational presentations. Special appreciation is extended to Fontainebleau State Park’s Interpretive Ranger Garrett Shelton for helping facilitate the program. Sunset Yoga: This program will continue this year, featuring instructor Megan Gabriell guiding participants through relaxing flows on the beach at Fontainebleau State Park. Dates will be provided as they become available. Volunteer Opportunities: Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to support the Pelican Park Nature Club through volunteer service. Details on how to get involved with future projects and events will be announced soon. Private Groups: Programs are available for homeschool groups, scout troops, and other small organizations interested in private guided hikes at the Northlake Nature Center or other local natural areas. Inquiries should be emailed to Alex Landry at Alexlandry@pelicanpark.com . Exploring the Stars: An Interactive Astronomy Program Beyond our nature-based programming, the Park offers an interactive astronomy program featuring powerful telescopes and immersive planetarium shows that bring the wonders of the night sky into focus. Astronomy in the Park: This monthly program offers a complete celestial experience, combining indoor planetarium shows with outdoor stargazing exploration. Attendees are welcome to participate in the full evening or choose to attend only the portion that interests them most. ● Planetarium Shows: Led by Planetarium Coordinator Stephanie Welch, these sessions are held in the White Gym (Court 3). These captivating presentations bring the wonders of the cosmos to life as a prelude to the night sky viewing. ● Stargazing & Telescopes: Led by Leon Zebrick, this portion takes place at the Yellow Complex. Leon guides participants through the night sky using the Park’s two high-caliber instruments: ○ The Origin (Astrograph ): Specialized for deep-space observation, capturing distant celestial phenomena. ○ Celestron GPS XLT Telescope : Dedicated to solar system viewing—ideal for observing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter, and other planets depending on seasonal visibility.
● February 25 | March 18 | April 22 ● May 13 | June 24 | July 14 ● September 17 | October 14 | November 18
Note: Specific start times for each event fluctuate monthly based on the time of sunset. For the most up- to-date schedules and weather-related updates, please check social media or visit RecDesk. All outdoor viewing is weather permitting. Backyard Astronomy Class: Stargaze Like a Pro Have you always wanted to explore the night sky but didn’t know where to start? Register for the Backyard Astronomy Class! Perfect for beginners (high school age and up), this course covers everything you need to become a confident amateur astronomer—no prior knowledge required. Course Schedule: ● Classroom Sessions: March 3, 10, and 17 ● Field Night: March 18 Participants will learn to: ● Navigate the Universe : Identify galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial wonders. ● Master Equipment: Learn to choose and use binoculars, telescopes, and accessories while avoiding common beginner mistakes. ● Observation Techniques: Develop skills for locating and viewing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Registration and Scheduling: Detailed class times and registration are available on RecDesk.
Species Spotlight: Loggerhead Shrike: Loggerhead Shrike Loggerhead Shrikes are year-round residents of Pelican Park’s sports fields. Look for them perched on fences, goalposts, or anywhere that offers them a good vantage point. These little birds have a notorious reputation in the bird world, and for good reason: they are predatory songbirds! Despite being smaller than a Dove, and lacking the talons of much-larger raptors, Loggerhead Shrikes will eat anything from small insects, to frogs, up to other songbirds! If they’re unable to eat their prey in one sitting, they’re known to impale it on barbed wire or thorns to save it for later. Look for the distinctive black mask and sharply pointed bill next time you’re in the park.
photo by: Kristyn Whatley
22 | Recreation District #1 of St. Tammany Parish
Pelican Watch Vol. 26 Issue 1 | 23
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