About Us

Friends of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Foundation began as a project of the Houma Downtown Development Corporation (HDDC) in the late 90’s.  It broke away from the HDDC in 2002, a new board was formed, and received its 501©3 non-profit corporation status in 2004. It is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors, an Advisory Board and has two paid staff members.  The boards are composed of a cross section of members from the local community.

The Foundation is the governing body of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center (SLWDC). The temporary office of the Center is located in the Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center at 317 Goode Street in Historic Downtown Houma, Louisiana.  The SLWDC has also been designated as an America's Wetland resource site and has many friends and supporters on the local, regional and corporate levels.  If you would like more information, check out the FAQ or contact us.

In an effort to recognize the individuals who work tirelessly during the year to bring awareness to the region, the SLWDC presents the Outstanding Educator’s Award.  Each year the Center selects an individual that has dedicated their time, talents, and resources to make this community the best that it can be.  If you know of an individual you would like to nominate, email his/her name to the SLWDC.

Vision Statement

Every child in Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding region will, by the time he or she graduates from high school, have a deep appreciation of the value of the wetlands to Louisiana, as well as a broad understanding of many key principles of science and mathematics enhanced through experiential learning based at the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.  Citizens and tourists who visit the center will understand the community’s enduring dedication to the preservation of the wetlands as well as learn about the ecology of this area.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide an educational resource to Terrebonne Parish and to the surrounding parishes, enhancing those already available to school children with a facility that not only serves youth but also attracts  eco-tourists to the region. 

Rigorous programming in science and mathematics uses the ecology of the wetlands as the focus of experiential learning.  Permanent exhibits and temporary displays attract adults from the area as well as tourists interested in the geography of this region.

Benefits to the Community

• Enhanced Education
  • by offering additional educational programming, the SLWDC will help to reinforce lessons taught in the schools
• University connection for students
  • by teaming up with NSU, LUMCON, and SECME, students utilizing the SLWDC will have easy access to university professors
• Tourist attraction
  • by utilizing the interactive exhibits designed to draw people from around the world, the SLWDC will increase the number of visitors to the area
• Economic Development
  • visitors from other places will patronize local restaurants and numerous other attractions which will have a positive economic impact on Terrebonne parish.