Air Products — Charting New Waters

Air Products teams up with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation to Introduce Students to Lake Environment.

Lake Maurepas will become a classroom for local students, thanks to 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 $200,000 to fund field trips to the Turtle Cove Galva Canal Complex in Manchac and the Environmental Research Station located in the wetlands on Pass Manchac, a natural pass that connects Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. The research station is managed by Southeastern Louisiana University researchers who study the ecology of the lake.

Teachers from schools in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. John the Baptist Parishes can apply for funded field trips for their students. Field trips are available to students in 3rd -12th grade in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. John the Baptist parishes.

“We are investing in our youth to help provide a better understanding of our state’s ecological systems,” said Danna Leblanc, Commercial Executive Director of Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex. “Southeastern researchers are doing great work at Turtle Cove, and it’s incredibly important for our youth to learn about the history and the ecosystem of the lakes. It is our hope that these field trips can contribute to a greater interest in science careers and our environment while creating a lifelong love for Louisiana’s natural habitats,” said Leblanc.

Typical field trips begin with a lecture on the wetlands ecosystem, environmental impacts, coastal wetlands loss, and the history of Turtle Cove. Topics include wetlands ecology, bald cypress tree and marsh restoration, and plant and animal adaptations to the wetlands environment.

The group will then board a 40-foot pontoon boat for a ride through the wetlands surrounding the research station, where students will have the opportunity to see the natural flora and wildlife of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The students will then do a guided boardwalk tour, including plant identification, dip netting, and water quality sampling activities.

The Air Products Lake Maurepas Community Fund grant will be administered through the LAWFF and will cover transportation costs, lunches/refreshments and activities for students during their field trip to Turtle Cove. Every student who participates will receive a life jacket that they can keep for future adventures on the water.

"As a foundation dedicated to enhancing the public’s appreciation of Louisiana’s rich natural resources, we are thrilled to offer students the opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystems of Lake Maurepas and the Manchac wetlands," said Missy Fox, Executive Director of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.

"This grant will help foster a deeper connection to our environment, giving students hands-on experiences that will not only inspire their love for science but also cultivate future stewards of our state’s invaluable natural habitats."

To apply for funding, teachers can visit lawff.org/ap-turtle-cove-grant to complete a grant application.