Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SLWDC being constructed?
The SLWDC is being built to provide students in middle and high schools with 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 through NSU and LUMCON. 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 through 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.
Does the SLWDC have a master plan?
The nationally recognized architectural firm of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple was hired to create a master plan for the Center.
What will the SLWDC look like?
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.
How many visitors can the SLWDC expect in a year?
An attendance analysis 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.