Nature Traces: Camp Salmen Nature Park

RESTORATIONS IN WINTER

Camp Salmen Nature Park

WRITTEN BY & PHOTO CREDITS: HILARY CREAMER

Searching for a remedy to fight those winter blues? Spend some time in nature!

Nestled along Bayou Liberty, Camp Salmen Nature Park has more than 100 acres of land that seamlessly accommodate recreation and nature preservation. Follow along one of the trails and you’ll witness a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plant life, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. A charming boardwalk offers a closer look at the bayou and its tree-lined banks covered in Spanish moss.

A trail map, which you can find on the Camp Salmen website, guides visitors on the multiple trails and highlights points of interest. The park’s website offers information about the history of the land, its use as a trading post and later as a camp for Boy Scouts (hence

the name “Camp Salmen.”) The nearly 200-year-old Camp Salmen House, an exemplar of French-Creole architecture from the early-mid 1800s, is currently undergoing restoration and is one of 45 St.Tammany locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Part of the 31-mile Tammany Trace runs through the park and is an ideal spot for cycling, rollerblading (or rollerskating if you’re old school), and walking. You can jump on the Trace at the park or stop for a break if you’re passing through.

Children will love exploring the massive playground. With over 5,000 square feet of play area, the inclusive playground was built to provide a space where children of all abilities can play. The impressive structure could even tempt the adults to join in on the fun.

With an amphitheater that seats about 120 people, three pavilions (two small and one very large) and several picnic tables, Camp Salmen offers plenty of rentable space for large group gatherings, such as family reunions or birthday parties. But it’s also a serene spot for solo or small group excursions.

There’s a restorative quality in nature that seems to amplify the more we need it. Camp Salmen Nature Park is a perfect spot to take a nature break and recharge your spirit with its quiet and peaceful setting. Doesn’t a picnic lunch and boardwalk stroll along a scenic bayou sound better than eating at your desk…again?

BENEFITS OF A WINTERTIME NATURE BREAK

Getting a little sunshine allows your body to gain vitamin D, which can boost your mental and physical health. But don’t forget the sunscreen!

Taking a nature break can help dissolve a mental block by improving focus and increasing creativity.

Cooler weather usually means less pollen and fewer allergy symptoms. (And fewer bug bites!)

Getting exercise can help relieve stress, burn off those King Cake calories and improve sleep.

Camp Salmen Nature Park is located at 35122 Parish Parkway in Slidell.

For more information, visit campsalmennaturepark.org.