Get out and enjoy nature with a Kisatchie Forest Hike Saturday, July 8 from 9 am – 1 pm beginning at the Long Leaf Vista Trail. The hike is hosted by the Louisiana Association of Sports, Outdoor Adventure, and Recreation (LASOAR), a nonprofit organization based in Lafayette. Its mission is to reconnect children to the natural world and promote the power of play to improve child and family health and well-being.
Register online for Saturday’s hike or become a LASOAR member online at http://www.lasoar.org/memberships
Recent data compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation on Child and Family Health shows Louisiana ranking 49 out of 50, making our state one of the unhealthiest states in the nation. LASOAR’s goal is to bring the state into the 30s by 2030. Other goals include creating programs and initiatives to encourage families to get out and get active and collaborating with other organizations that share a similar mission to combine efforts and accomplish more.
CEO/President Laura Palmer and co-founder Hannah Mason began LASOAR in 2016. Palmer was working as a PE teacher and realized a lot of kids are unhealthy. Unhappy with her limited reach in the public school system she felt she was called to do something more.
Kisatchie National Forest has over 604,000 acres, is spread across seven parishes in Louisiana and is divided into five managed units called Ranger Districts. Hidden in the bayous, beneath the bald cypress groves and old growth pine, is a world of natural beauty, excitement, learning, recreation, resources and wildlife in their purest form.
Program Fees:
Non-members- $25
LASOAR Members – $15
OAK Club Participants- FREE
Rates shown are for one child and up to 2 parents or guardians to attend a single hiking trip. Add $5 for each additional child. This includes park entry fees (if applicable), a guided hike, snack and additional water for each participant. Hikers should bring their own water bottles. Join the Outdoor Adventure Kids (OAK) Club- http://www.lasoar.org/oak
Distance:
The day begins with a short 1.5 mile hike through the beautiful Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail. Hikers will then drive to the Kisatchie Bayou Campground for a second short hike and lunch.