One of the fastest growing initiatives at Pelican Park, in Mandeville, Louisiana, is the Power of Nature program — an environmental education effort that reflects how parks and recreation can deepen a community’s relationship with the natural world through exploration, learning and conservation. In alignment with NRPA’s “The Power Of” theme, this initiative focuses on creating meaningful outdoor experiences that are hands on, accessible, and welcoming for all ages.
This work did not happen overnight. About five years ago, environmental programming at Pelican Park began taking shape through early community partnerships and a growing interest in nature-based experiences. As participation increased, so did the vision. The district expanded its commitment by hiring a dedicated naturalist and environmental education coordinator, giving this work a clear focus and direction.
From there, environmental programming began to grow in both size and impact. One of the most visible outcomes of that growth is the Pelican Park Nature Club. What started as a small effort has quickly become one of the park’s most dynamic and engaging programs.
Today, the Nature Club offers a diverse range of hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, exploration, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Through partnerships with local experts and organizations, community members have opportunities to experience nature in unique and meaningful ways, including:
- Monthly bird walks
- Guided day and night hikes
- Sunset canoe trips and marine biology studies on Lake Pontchartrain
- Environmental education workshops
- Nature journaling and nature-themed book clubs
- Lessons on foraging, edible and native plants, and bat ecology
- Overnight outdoor learning experiences
- A Junior Naturalist Series designed specifically for youth
These experiences make nature approachable, interactive and engaging for all ages. Families are not just attending programs, they are creating lasting connections with local ecosystems and developing a greater appreciation for conservation through firsthand discovery.
Connection Is the Goal
Rather than offering isolated activities, the goal of the Nature Club is connection. Families are not just attending programs, they are building relationships with local ecosystems and gaining a deeper understanding of how their everyday actions connect to the environment around them.
Partnerships continue to play a major role in expanding this impact. Through collaboration with local organizations, Pelican Park connects residents to citizen science opportunities such as BioBlitz events and urban nesting studies. These hands-on projects allow the community to actively contribute to real environmental research while learning about biodiversity in their own backyard.
At the same time, the park is developing native plant demonstration gardens in highly visible areas. These spaces serve as living classrooms where visitors can see how native plants support pollinators, improve habitat health and strengthen the local ecosystem.
Look to the Stars
On the more reflective side of programming, Pelican Park has also embraced the night sky. Astronomy initiatives invite visitors to look upward and explore beyond our immediate surroundings. Monthly Astronomy in the Park events feature portable planetarium experiences followed by outdoor telescope viewing. These programs introduce constellations, planets, and deep space discovery in a way that feels accessible and engaging.
A Backyard Astronomy class offered throughout the year builds on this experience, including a recent “Moon and Artemis” themed session featuring guest presenters with professional experience connected to NASA’s Artemis program.
Together, these programs create something larger than individual events. They spark curiosity, encourage learning, and help build a sense of stewardship that extends beyond park boundaries. Over time, more residents are spending time outdoors, engaging with nature, and developing a stronger connection to both their local environment and the wider universe above.
The Endless Power of Parks and Recreation
The “Power Of” Parks and Recreation shows up in many ways, not only in the power of play found across athletic fields for all ages and abilities, but also in the power to educate, to connect, to heal and to inspire.
At Pelican Park, the Power of Nature is helping people rediscover the outdoors in meaningful ways. It's about creating space for curiosity, strengthening community connection, and encouraging a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
Pelican Park will also celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July with the A Day in the Park Festival on July 11. This community event is designed to bring people together through recreation, entertainment and shared experiences. The festival will feature food trucks and vendors, a car show, live music and DJs throughout the day and into the night, along with activities, family fun and relaxation areas. This celebration highlights the Power of Parks in connecting communities and creating spaces where everyone belongs, as well as nature initiatives that include hands-on planting and seeding exchanges.
How is your agency creating opportunities for people to connect with nature in meaningful ways?
Niki Butler is the marketing director for Pelican Park.