Optional Field Trip

Bonnet Carré Spillway & Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion

Wednesday, June 4

8:30am-3:30pm

Field Trip Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025 (or until capacity is reached)

Field Trip Details:

Early Cost: $95 / Person (On or before February 14, 2025)
Regular Cost: $125 / Person (After February 14, 2025)
Limit: 34 people Bonnet Carré Spillway

Bonnet Carré Spillway

The Bonnet Carré Spillway, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1935, helps reduce flood pressure on New Orleans by diverting excess Mississippi River water into Lake Pontchartrain. The structure consists of a mile-and-a-half-long concrete weir, and a six-mile spillway confined by levees which directs river water into the adjacent Lake Pontchartrain estuary. The 8,000-acre spillway is not only vital for flood management but also supports diverse wildlife and recreational activities and provides fresh water to the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. The field trip will involve a stop to see the spillway up close and to hear from the US Army Corp of Engineers about flooding management.

Fun Fact: The I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world. This twin concrete trestle bridge has a total length of 58,077 feet (17,702 m; 10.9994 mi).

David Pond Freshwater Diversion

Located in St. Charles Parish, 15 miles upstream of the city of New Orleans, this project diverts fresh water, nutrients, and sediments from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin to reduce saltwater intrusion and combat land loss. The diversion improves salinity levels, boosts fish and wildlife productivity, and supports marsh vegetation for a healthier estuarine ecosystem. The area supports oyster, crab, shrimp, and fish reproduction, as well as food for fur-bearing animals and migratory waterfowl. The Field Trip will involve an airboat trip out into the receiving wetlands to see firsthand how river reconnection sustains deltaic wetlands.

Fun Fact: Estimated annual benefits total $14,997,000 for commercial fish and wildlife, plus $298,000 for recreation, or a total impact of $15,295,000 for the state of Louisiana.

Trip Itinerary

8:30am	Board Bus for New Orleans at Host Hotel Host Hotel Address: Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, 201 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
9:00am	Bus Departs from Host Hotel
10:15am	Arrive at Bonnet Carré Spillway
10:30am	Walking Tour: Bonnet Carré Spillway A member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will greet you upon your arrival, show you the spillway, and explain how it works. Afterwards, the tour leader, John White, will discuss the ecological impacts of the spillway opening on the estuaries.
11:30am	Board Bus & Depart to Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion
12:00pm	Arrive at Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion & Split into Two Groups
12:15pm	Group #1: Board Airboats & Starts Tour through Wetlands Group #2: Lunch Provided
1:00pm	Group #1: Lunch Provided Group #2: Board Airboats & Start Tour through Wetlands
1:45pm	Board Bus
2:00pm	Bus Departs to Host Hotel
3:30pm	Arrive Back at Host Hotel

*Itinerary is tentative and subject to change, based on final tour participation.

What to Wear

Camera
Hat
Quick-drying Light Clothing
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

What is Provided

Life Vest (During airboat ride)
Headphones (During airboat ride)

Refund Policy

Refunds for cancellations will be issued until April 18, minus a 50% processing fee. Refunds will not be issued after April 18.

Field Trip Liability Notice

By participating in this field trip, you agree that you are responsible for your own safety and actions. Any risks, injuries, or damages are your responsibility. By registering, you confirmed that you’ve read and signed the liability waiver.

Important: If an insufficient number of registrants sign up, field trips are subject to cancellation. If the trip is cancelled, you will receive a 100% refund.