Invasive Species Spotlight: The Nutria

Invasive Species Spotlight: The Nutria

When teaching our students during wetlands ecology field trips and programs, we want them to understand the role that humans play in our current environment. Though removal efforts for local invasive species like the nutria should certainly continue, the easiest solution to an invasive species problem is prevention.

What is Social and Emotional Learning and Why Does It Matter?

What is Social and Emotional Learning and Why Does It Matter?

Learning Social and Emotional Learning skills as a child is crucial because it sets the foundation for social and emotional development throughout life. Children who learn these skills are better equipped to handle stress, manage their emotions, and navigate social interactions.

7 Common Caterpillars in New Orleans

7 Common Caterpillars in New Orleans

New Orleans is home to a broad range of caterpillars, both stinging and non-stinging. While some caterpillars can be harmful if touched, others are harmless and even beneficial to the ecosystem. It is important to know the difference between the two both to avoid a painful sting and to appreciate the rich diversity of our local critters.

Screen Time vs. Green Time: The Hazards of Screen Time and Benefits of Outdoor Play

Screen Time vs. Green Time: The Hazards of Screen Time and Benefits of Outdoor Play

Though most of us -adults included- aren’t likely to give up our screens permanently, we can be more purposeful about how we use them. Screen time isn’t all bad, but it can get out of hand easily. It’s important for kids to develop healthy boundaries with their devices rather than falling prey to the lure of all-consuming screen time.

Louisiana native plants: 5 plants to add to your garden this spring

Louisiana native plants: 5 plants to add to your garden this spring

Adding native plants to your garden is a great way to support the local ecosystem, promote biodiversity in the region, and create new habitat for our native critters. Here are 5 native Louisiana plants to add to your home garden this year.

Why Low Ropes Challenges are Perfect for Team Building

Why Low Ropes Challenges are Perfect for Team Building

Here at LOOP NOLA, we often use low ropes challenges to get groups working together both physically and mentally. By using communication and problem-solving skills, groups come out of the experience bonded together. No longer a gaggle of strangers, they’ve become a team.

But how does that work, exactly? In this post, we’ll share some of the elements that make low ropes such a successful team building activity.

Invasive Species Spotlight: Apple Snails

Invasive Species Spotlight: Apple Snails

Apple snails were never seen in Louisiana’s waterways until 2006 near Gretna. It’s believed that pet apple snails were released in a drainage basin around that time. Eventually, the fast-reproducing snails’ population expanded throughout our waterway system.