1. Paddling and Bird Watching
Surround yourself with nature at the Cypress Island Nature
Preserve at Lake Martin. The lake features a swampy ecosystem that supports
colonial nesting water birds, alligators, nutria, turtles, frogs, snakes,
lizards, and native flora and fauna.
Lake Martin is an excellent spot for bird watching as it’s one of
the state’s largest nesting colonies for a number of species. Be on the lookout
for great blue heron, anhinga, snowy egret, black-crowned night heron, and
more. The lake is also home to a large nesting population of alligators. You
can typically spot the alligators from Rookery Road, which runs along the
lake’s shoreline.
Bring your kayak and paddle around the lake to catch a glimpse of
the animals that call the lake home. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a
stroll around the lake or head to the visitor’s center to check out the
boardwalk that is over the swamp.
2. Watch the Wildlife
Made of 860,000 acres of swamp, water prairies, and lakes, the
Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river-basin swamp. The basin cuts a
15-mile-wide path across the state and is teeming with wildlife, making it the
perfect spot for a day in a natural ‘zoo’. It is home to more than 300 species
of birds. During the winter, you’ll find the country’s largest wintering
population of American woodcock, along with wintering ducks and coots. The
Floodway is home to more than 50,000 ibises, egrets, and herons, as well as the
largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south central portion of
the United States.
The basin isn’t just home to birds, as more than 90 species of
crawfish, fish, shrimp, and crabs can be found in the waters as well. Additionally,
you’ll find the American alligator and 65 species of amphibians and reptiles.
3. Hiking and Boating
Pack a picnic and go for a hike at Lake Fausse Point State Park in
St. Martinville, about 16 miles southeast of Lafayette. The park it situated on
6,0000 acres that were once part of the Atchafalaya Basin and is surrounded by
land that was once the home of the Chitimacha Indians. Bring your boat and
launch it from one of the ramps to explore the waterways and pitch your tent
for a night under the stars. The park also features a nature center with fun
and entertaining programs and activities that teach the family about the
environment. Take a hike down one of three hiking trails to get a close-up view
of the wildlife and fauna. Tours are offered of nearby historic sites, such as
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site.
Head outside to explore the natural beauty of Lafayette and the surrounding area. With so much to do, the hardest part will be trying to decide what to enjoy first.
Image via Bettina Arrigoni via Flickr used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
