Conservation

East Baton Rouge Parish residents care about protecting local habitats and biodiversity and so does BREC! BREC's Conservation Department is dedicated to completing its mission through the Natural Resource Management Plan to better the lives of East Baton Rouge Parish residents. BREC'S Conservation aims to promote recreation and education activities focusing on the appreciation of the natural environment; protect unique and historically representative habitats within the East Baton Rouge Parish; and reduce species loss.

Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas often have nature trails, primitive hiking trails, fishing ponds, pollinator gardens and more. Refer to each park’s page for specific information about each park. Rules and Regulations vary from park to park.

• Blackwater Conservation Area
• Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area
• Comite River Conservation Area
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• Frenchtown  Conservation Area
• Kendalwood Conservation Area
• Sandy Creek Community Park

Nature Centers

• Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
  
• Coming Soon: Frenchtown Conservation Area Nature Center
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Nature Reserves

These areas are completely undeveloped and are set aside for the protection of habitat and wildlife. There are no developed trails and should not be visited unless permission is received through the conservation department. Areas like these are important for local ecosystems and provide habitat corridors for the connection of greenways, native plant growth and wildlife breeding.

• Cohn Nature Preserve
• Jones Creek Nature Reserve
• South Harrell's Ferry Nature Reserve
• Burbank Nature Reserve
• Quarterhorse Nature Reserve
• Kinchloe Lloyd Baker Nature Reserve
• Jacob Kornmeyer Nature Reserve
• Wray Nature Reserve

Volunteering

BREC's Conservation Department relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish its management goals. With the help of volunteers, BREC conducts trash clean-ups, invasive species removals, trail clearings and native species plantings. We have several volunteer opportunities depending on your interests and time commitment.

The Green Force program is an excellent opportunity for individuals with 15 or more hours to volunteer in the year. We also have Group Volunteer Project opportunities. Follow the links below to learn more.

• Green Force Volunteer Program
• Group Volunteer Projects
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Programming

The Conservation Department staff includes a Naturalist who works to educate the public in Baton Rouge and help visitors experience BREC's Satellite Conservation Parks through programming like guided hikes. BREC hosts a variety of walks throughout the East Baton Rouge Parish. Check out the upcoming BREC Conservation offerings below!