Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SLWDC being constructed?
The SLWDC
is being built to provide the
approximately 20,000 students in middle and high schools in
Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes a high-quality resource
for experiential learning away from
the school environment with opportunities to learn and understand
the wetlands environment as well as provide a strong, self-directed
core in mathematics, science, and technology using wetland issues.
In addition, it will offer a central access point for all
students in need of high tech scientific research labs and access to
local and international college professors thru NSU, LUMCON and SECME.
The South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center will be a place for
both locals and tourists to gain knowledge and understanding about
the unique wetlands in our area thru hands-on experiences and ways
to preserve and conserve the wetlands in general.
The Center will also be able to extend the educational and
cultural opportunities it will provide by sending tourists
out to other wetlands based attractions to create a more
intense experience and long lasting impression.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience the Center is trying to
attract is anyone interested in the South Louisiana wetlands
region who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the
wetlands as well as learn more about how to preserve and
conserve the wetlands.
What will the Center provide?
- Opportunities for children and teenagers to
- explore, discover, and investigate their unique environment through interactive and technological experiences
- become aware of wetlands issues
- improve their science, mathematics, and technology skills
- develop an appreciation for their unique coastal environment
- develop an interest in preserving their environment
- Opportunities for educators to
- participate in professional development that focuses on their environment
- refine skills in designing hands on lessons for their students
- network with other teachers in the region
- access equipment and materials not available in the schools to enhance science, mathematics, and technology
-
Opportunities for the community and adult visitors
to our community
- learn more about our environment, especially coastal wetlands
- connect with other educational opportunities offered in the region
- learn about the culture these wetlands cultivate
- become informed decision-makers related to their environment
How much will it cost to build the
SLWDC?
Using post Katrina figures, the South
Louisiana Wetlands
Discovery Center will cost $9.6 million to build which
includes the physical facility as well as the exhibits and
research laboratory.
Where will the SLWDC be constructed?
The permanent 18,000 sq. ft.
facility will be built on 2.5 acres on Civic Center Blvd.
adjacent to the main branch of the Terrebonne Parish Library and
behind the Terrebonne Parish Civic Center.
The nationally recognized architectural
firm of
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple has completed the conceptual drawing of
the SLWDC (rendering).
The firm of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple
is based in New Orleans, LA and was one of five firms chosen
to work on the Audubon Institute Aquarium of the Americas in
New Orleans and designed the Estuarine Habitats Research
Center in Lafayette, LA which sets the standards for
wetlands measurements.
An attendance study was conducted by the South Central
Planning Development Commission with the results indicating
the SLWDC can expect 50,000 visitors each year from a fifty
mile radius encompassing the seven surrounding parishes.