At Barataria Preserve in Marrero, K-12 students can enjoy free field trips on the trails and to the visitor center! Explore our trails on your own. Join a scheduled park ranger program. Or even request a citizen science program. Whichever route you plan to take, discover the beauty and nature of our preserve. Explore Our TrailsYou are welcome to bring your group and explore the preserve on your own. Admission to the park is free. See details below for important information when planning a field trip to our park site. To see which trails are open and other important updates, visit our Conditions page. Meet Us at the Visitor CenterDrop in to explore our exhibits and interactive displays, make a nature craft, or become a Junior Ranger! While you’re here, check out the gift shop and chat with a ranger at the information desk. The Barataria Preserve Visitor Center page has our current hours of operation. Please provide advance notice if you plan to visit with a group by either emailing us or calling (504) 689-3690. Scheduled Ranger ProgramsYour school group is welcome to join a scheduled ranger program. To see upcoming programs, see the calendar on the main Barataria Preserve page. Citizen Science ProgramsHave your students become citizen scientists! They'll make observations, collect data, and help researchers answer questions about Louisiana's ecosystem. It's protecting and preserving America's treasures. To learn more about citizen science in our park, visit our Citizen Science at the Barataria Preserve page. Field Trip Information for Teachers Plan like a Park Ranger! Be prepared for your field trip and learn about our facility and programs below.
Buses may pull up to the front of the Visitor Center to let students off. Once all students, chaperones, and teachers are off the bus, the bus must move and park in the back of the parking lot.
A water fountain is available at the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center. Water, sports drinks, and trail mix are available for purchase in the Visitor Center. Food and drink may be consumed inside the building; however, there are no tables available for eating inside the Visitor Center. There are two picnic tables located outside of the visitor center, and there is a picnic area at the Pecan Grove, which is located across the highway. Dispose of Waste Properly. Take all trash with you and dispose of trash in the provided trash cans. Leave what you find. Leave all natural objects (plants, flowers, leaves, etc.) where you find them. Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them or pick them up. Be considerate of other visitors. Avoid loud voices and noises. Stay with your group! Pay close attention, follow directions, and stay together so we may complete your program. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t run. Keep yourself and others safe by being respectful. Running is not allowed in the building or on trails due to safety concerns. Plan early! Barataria Preserve requires one chaperone for every ten elementary aged children. One chaperone is required per fifteen middle school/high school aged students. Extra chaperones are always welcome.
A hat, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toed shoes, and a water bottle are strongly recommended for programs at the Barataria Preserve.
Learn about accessibility at our park. Have any questions or concerns? Let us know! Send us an email or call the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center at (504) 689-3690.
To schedule your field trip, please either email the park or call park staff at (504) 689-3690.
Have questions about our field trips or facilities? Email park staff or call (504) 689-3690 for more information.
Kid Resources
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Last updated: April 12, 2025