First Phase of Houma Wetlands Education Center Nearly Completed
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The first phase of Houma’s South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center is nearing completion.
Construction on the 2.4-acre center at 86 Valhi Blvd. near the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center broke ground in January 2021. Hurricane Ida slowed progress.
Executive Director Jonathan Follett said the project was due to be completed by April, but setbacks such as weather have stalled the project.
The first phase, costing $1.7 million, includes half an acre of artificial wetlands and a one-story educational pavilion with toilets.
“This is an outdoor education center, so it’s an outdoor pavilion and storage area,” Foret explained. “It’s a place where students can test the water quality of the pond and discuss the native species of plants that grow around the pond.”
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The space will be used to raise awareness of the local ecosystem and offer programs such as school field trips, classroom visits, and summer camps for children.
Together, the four-stage project will cost approximately $8 million.
Once the first phase is complete, the center will likely need to secure more funding from the state legislature to begin the second phase, Foret said.
“It all depends on our ability to raise capital,” he said.
The organization’s primary fundraiser this year is the annual Rougalow Fest, scheduled for October 21-23. Organizers hope to move the upcoming festival to the Center Site instead of its traditional location in downtown Hooma.
The nutria beignet, named for what Foret said was sweet as powdered sugar, will attend at 3 p.m. on October 22 for the annual nutria amnesty. Foret said Beignet survived Hurricane Ida at her home and is looking forward to seeing everyone.
“He’s fine. He’s really fine. We brought him home during Hurricane Ida, so he was probably the most protected nutria in Terrebon Parish,” Foret said. “He’s there to receive forgiveness so he can keep his tail.”
The center now has offices and exhibitions inside the Terrebonne Waterlife Museum in downtown Houma.
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