Explore the natural beauty, rich biodiversity, history, and culture of Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana region. Whether you are looking for adventure or a more reflective experience, there is something for everyone. Sign up for a local field trip to connect with nature, discover hidden gems, and get inspired by our unique heritage! Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
Make your field trip selection/s on the Conference Registration Form either during or after registration. There is limited space available on all field trips. Reserve early as they may sell out quickly! You can add field trips to your registration at any time.
All field trips will take place on Thursday, July 3.
Cajun Food Tours - Boudin, Crawfish, and Gumbo Galore!
Explore some of the culinary delights of Cajun culture. On this three-hour tour, participants will be ferried around to various local establishments and restaurants to sample some of the region’s cuisine. Along the five stops, you’ll get to taste boudin, king cake, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried shrimp, and cracklin’. Food is definitely included in this tour. Come hungry and leave happy.
Accessibility Description: This is a low-impact field trip. Participants will be transported on a bus and have to walk into the different restaurants. Accessibility needs should be communicated in advance, so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Food allergies and dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance, and may not always be accommodated.
Morning or afternoon options available
Cost Per Person: $70
Time: Morning: 9:45 am-1:00 pm; Afternoon: 1:45-5:00 pm
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: Included: Cajun originals like boudin, king cake, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, fried shrimp, cracklin’ and more!
Age Limit: None
Avery Island Exploration (the home of Tabasco!)
Travel to picturesque Avery Island, home of the Tabasco Factory. Not only is the McIlhenny Family known for their flavorful sauce, but they also were leading conservationists. The day will begin with a guided-tour through Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre semi-tropical garden that stretches along Bayou Petite Anse. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the on-site rookery. Then we’ll head over to the Tabasco Factory, for a self-guided tour of the company’s history and distillation process. Afterwards, you can check out the many Tabasco flavors (and Tabasco-flavored ice cream!) at the gift shop or travel to the on-site restaurant for lunch.
Accessibility Description: This is a low-impact field trip, but does include some walking across uneven terrain. Guests visiting Jungle Gardens will occasionally leave their vehicle to walk on foot to various points of interest. The factory tour is partially inside and partially outside. Not all of the guided tour is paved.
Cost Per Person: $40
Time: 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: On Own - Restaurant on site
Age Limit: None
Atchafalaya Airboat Adventure
Explore the nation's largest swamp and wetland via one of the region’s most iconic forms of transportation - the airboat. On this 1.5-hour Basin Landing airboat tour, you’ll see towering cypress trees, learn about the Atchafalaya Basin’s changing hydrology, and see some of the local alligators. The guides will share their knowledge of the region and some of the local culture. Once your tour is finished, you can head over to the on-site restaurant for a drink or lunch.
Accessibility Description: While this is a low-energy activity, it would require the passengers to travel from the vehicle to the boat launch over uneven ground. The boat dock will also not be smooth. The climb in and out of the boat will require some maneuverability.
Image credit: basinlanding.com
Cost Per Person: $85
Time: 8:45 am-1:30 pm
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: On Own - Restaurant on site
Age Limit: None
Atchafalaya Paddle Exploration
Take your time and explore the nation's largest swamp up close as you canoe through the Atchafalaya Basin. Wind your way through the picturesque cypress trees, scan the trees for birds, and look for the iconic American alligator. You can either participate in a guided group paddle with the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper or grab a friend and head out for your own self-guided adventure. Anticipate spending about two hours on the water. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the near-by restaurant for a cold beverage and/or lunch.
Accessibility Description: This trip is fairly high impact, and it requires participants to travel across uneven ground (with cypress knees) to launch their canoes at the water’s edge. Once on the water, paddlers will be responsible for paddling themselves along the path, both out and on the return. They will need to carry enough water to stay hydrated in the Louisiana summer. We cannot guarantee that a canoe will not flip.
Cost Per Person: $45
Time: 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: On Own - Restaurant on site
Age Limit: None
Delta Discovery
Travel by boat to the end of the Atchafalaya Watershed and explore some of the newest land in North America. The Wax Lake Delta is located at the end of the Atchafalaya Basin, where the river meets the Gulf. While much of coastal Louisiana is disappearing, this represents one of the few places where land is growing. Participants can pick their level of engagement—the adventurous can put on waders and see one of the delta islands on foot, the more leisurely can stay on the boat and travel down the length of an island to see delta succession.
Accessibility Description: This trip is to a very remote location, for which there are no bathrooms. We will visit one before launching from the boat, but participants should be prepared to be in a remote setting for a few hours. There is some risk with getting onto and off of the vessels. And those that choose to walk out into the delta should be aware that it can be a very strenuous walk. They will sink to their knees at various places and even a short walk can be tiring.
Cost Per Person: $55
Time: 7:00 am-2:00 pm
Transportation: Provided
Lunch: Provided
Age Limit: Adults only
Art & Culture in Science
Join us in Downtown Lafayette for a day of intentional exploration and integration of Art and Culture into your Science practice starting with a gallery tour at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Participants will be given sketchbooks and utensils for journaling and sketching during the gallery tour. We’ll walk to lunch (on your own) and reconvene at Cavalier House Books for an art workshop hosted by Rae Rae The Science BAE (Biologist | Artist | Educator) with supplies included. Participants will work on a mixed media collage focused on integrating what they learned with art and science, interconnectedness, and self reflection.
Accessibility Description: Most of this field trip will take place indoors, with the exception of walking to lunch (on your own) and then back to our workshop location. Total walking outdoor distance will be 1 mile or less. Gallery tours will likely be a lot of standing, but seating is available in the museum.
Cost Per Person: $40
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Transportation: On Own
Lunch: On Own
Age Limit: None
