Optional Evening Reception

Explore the LSU Center for River Studies
And enjoy 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
Bus transportation is provided between the Hilton Capitol Center in Baton Rouge and the LSU River Center.
Event Itinerary | |
5:30pm-6:20pm | Continuous shuttle service between Hilton and LSU Center for River Studies |
6:10pm | Last bus departs Hilton to the Center | 6:00pm–7:30pm | Hors d’oeuvres, Libations, Networking and Guided Tours |
7:30pm | Presentation of Golden Cattail Award |
8:00pm | Event concludes. Take return shuttle service back to the Hilton. |
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!









