If you have read any of my previous posts, you may know that my favorite activity is to walk and hike through the miles of wooded trail areas we have in Mandeville, Louisiana!
Today I would like to highlight one of my most beloved places the Northlake Nature Center located just 45 minutes from New Orleans, Louisiana and again, just down the road from me! I just walk along the St. Tammany Trace, a 31 mile trail ( more to come on that later) which joins to the Nature Center, which then has 7 miles of hiking trails through the woods, marked for self guided tours, as well as a bike path! (trail map)
At the Northlake Nature Center you will find a grove of giant southern magnolias,Cypress gum swamp, and a beaver pond right on Bayou Castine. There are actually 3 different eco- systems at the Nature Center, a hardwood forest, a pine hardwood forest and a pond swamp. You can view a beaver dam at the swamp. There is also a canoe and kayak launch!
There are interpretive signs and outdoor classrooms throughout the center. Raised and flat boardwalks, foot trails, an archaeological survey from a 700-year-old Acolapissa Native American population, and a never-finished golf course of Louisiana Governor Richard W. Leche, who was sent to prison in 1939 are just some of the things you can see here!
The Northlake Nature Center is also very educational. There is an open air pavilion and multiple programs for children and adults, even yoga and line dancing! You can even have a picnic here. Children can do interactive activities. Here are fun educational downloads for kids (Kids In The Wild Sheet ) as well as the answers
Answer Sheet and even a certificate to present the child upon completion Children’s Activities Certificate Of Completion!
This might be a fun Covid-19, stay at home activity for any child!
I have uploaded many photos of the Northlake Nature Center to Google Maps during my hikes! I hope you enjoy them. [Northlake Nature Center ](http://Northlake Nature Center 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448 (985) 626-1238 Google Maps)
