Optional Evening Reception
Tour of LSU Center for River Studies
Including the Presentation of the Golden Cattail Award
*Price is $35.00 if registered by February 14 or until event capacity is reached. Price increases to $50.00 after February 14. Attendance is limited to 80 people. Advance registration required. Due to limited capacity, this event is exclusively reserved for meeting attendees. Guests are not permitted to attend.
Join us for a remarkable evening as we celebrate the 2025 Golden Cattail Award presentation and explore the Lower Mississippi River Physical Model at LSU's Center for River Studies!
Center for River Studies at LSU
Located at the Baton Rouge Water Campus near the Mississippi River, this facility features one of the world's largest movable bed physical models. The 10,000-square-foot Lower Mississippi River Physical Model replicates the Mississippi River Delta's topography and bathymetry, encompassing southeast Louisiana. Its state-of-the-art technology includes sediment and water flow control systems, acoustic sensors, and 20 high-definition projectors. This model compresses a year of the river's behavior into one hour, enabling groundbreaking research and insights for scientists, engineers, and students alike.
Golden Cattail Award
The Golden Cattail Award recognizes outstanding contributions to wetland biogeochemistry. Established in 2018, it has honored distinguished individuals such as Dr. K. Ramesh Reddy (2018) and Dr. Robert Twilley (2021) for their significant achievements in advancing the field. Don’t miss the next unveiling of a deserving recipient!
Event Transportation
Complimentary bus transportation will be available between the Hilton Capitol Center in Baton Rouge and the LSU Center for River Studies. The event schedule includes ample time to accommodate shuttle service both to and from the venue.
| Event Itinerary | |
| 5:30pm – 6:15pm | Bus shuttle from hotel to the River Center |
| 6:00pm | Savor drinks and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the River Center and view the river model in action |
| 7:15pm | Presentation of the Golden Cattail Award |
| 8:00pm | Evening Concludes – take one of the return shuttles, Uber back or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mississippi River walkway to the Hilton Capitol Center. |
Explore Nearby
Afterward, there are several things to do within walking distance of the River Center and downtown Baton Rouge, including:
Mississippi River Levee Trail: Runs from LSU to downtown Baton Rouge along the beautiful Mississippi River. The trail is 15 feet wide and has separate lanes for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It also has lighting, seating, and water fountains.
Third Street: Known for its live music, including local and traveling talent, the Basin Music Hall showcases songwriters, the Bengal Hall is a sports bar and Squeaky Pete's is a popular honkytonk hangout.
Visit Baton Rouge's Things to Do on Third Street page for a full list of details!
