Preserve Watch

Preserve Watch was started by our beloved Chief Naturalist and Conservation Director, the late Mark Kramer. Mark designed these programs to give guests a unique insight into animals and ecosystems that coexist around us. These programs were so special to Mark, and we feel it is important to keep them going.

 

Gator Basking Days

Your tour begins with a 5 minute walk down the boardwalk to our Environmental Learning Center auditorium, where our interpretive naturalist will give a 45 minute presentation on American alligators. This includes an opportunity to meet one of our ambassador gators! Then you will ride down the trail on one of our electric vehicles to board our Bayou Ranger II Pontoon Boat and look for gators in Armand Bayou.

  • Dates: March 9 & 16

  • Time: 8:15am-12:00pm

  • Prices: $45 members/$50 non-members

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the presence of alligators during our tour as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable.

Know before you go (Gator Basking Days)

  • The maximum capacity for each tour is 16 people. We require a minimum of 5 guests for the tour to proceed. Ages 9+

  • We recommend that you bring water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen.

  • We recommend that you wear long pants.

  • Closed toe shoes are required. Participants without proper footwear will not be able to participate.

  • Gator Basking Days tours are for ages 10 and up. Adults must accompany children under 18.

  • Reservations must be made in advance and payment is required at the time of reservation.

Teachers can earn 4 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.

Rookery Tours

Your tour will begin with a five minute guided walk down our boardwalk leading to our Environmental Learning Center. There will be an approximately one hour presentation in the auditorium. Then you will drive to the rookery site to view our secluded rookery. We will have scopes set up for you to view the birds while our expert guides interpret.

  • Dates: May 11

  • Time: 8:30am-11:30am

  • Prices: $40 members/$45 non-members

Disclaimer: Your tour takes place in a highly sensitive ecosystem that can be easily disturbed. Due to this, your tour may be canceled at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.

Know before you go (Rookery Tour)

  • The maximum capacity for each tour is 15 people. We require a minimum of 5 guests for the tour to proceed. Ages 16+

  • We recommend that you bring water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen.

  • Binoculars are recommended.

  • We recommend that you wear long pants.

  • Closed toe shoes are required. Participants without proper footwear will not be able to participate.

  • Rookery Tours are for ages 16 and up. Adults must accompany children under 18.

  • Reservations must be made in advance and payment is required at the time of reservation.

Teachers can earn 3 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.

Ospreys & Eagles

Your tour begins with a 1 hour presentation on the unique relationship between eagles and ospreys by local photographer and naturalist Gary Seloff. Afterward, you will take a short walk down our boardwalk to one of our electric vehicles to ride the half mile down to the boathouse. The second part of your adventure takes place aboard our Bayou Ranger II Pontoon Boat to look for these magnificent birds.

  • Dates: February 17 & 24

  • Time: 7:30am-11:00am

  • Prices: $45 members/$50 non-members

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the presence of eagles or ospreys during our tour as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable.

Know before you go (Ospreys & Eagles)

  • The maximum capacity for each tour is 16 people. We require a minimum of 5 guests for the tour to proceed. Ages 16+

  • We recommend that you bring water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen.

  • Binoculars are recommended.

  • We recommend that you wear long pants.

  • Closed toe shoes are required. Participants without proper footwear will not be able to participate.

  • Osprey & Eagles Tours are for ages 16 and up. Adults must accompany children under 18.

  • Reservations must be made in advance and payment is required at the time of reservation.

Teachers can earn 3.5 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.

Cancellations:

Payment of fees is needed to complete your registration and is non-refundable unless the program/class/activity is cancelled by Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) staff. If ABNC cancels for any reason, you will be given the option of applying the fees to another program or a refund. A minimum number of five people is required for the trip to launch. You will be notified the day prior if the minimum number has not been reached.

If you must cancel, please notify ABNC at least seven (7) days prior to the program/class/activity. If you inform us at least one week before, we will issue you a credit voucher for the full amount of your payment that may be applied to another ABNC program fee or a membership. Any non-attendance or cancellation less than seven (7) days will result in the full charge of the fee. ABNC does not give cash refunds.