For Immediate Release:  July 14, 2015

For Further Information Contact:  Matt Young, 491-9176; Irvin Louque, 491-8770

 

Guided Bird Walk at Riverside Park Planned for Saturday

 

On July 18, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Friends of Tuten Park will sponsor a guided bird walk at Riverside Park, located at 1700 Fitzenreiter Road.  The event will offer a chance for the public to learn about and observe local breeding birds along the Calcasieu River.  The bird walk will be guided by Irvin Louque, Tuten Park program manager.  The bird walk will include a brief introduction to using binoculars and a casual walk along the Calcasieu River. Participants are asked to bring comfortable walking shoes, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, and binoculars. 

 

The bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and marshes along the Calcasieu River provide habitat for numerous nesting bird species, including hawks, kites, cuckoos, woodpeckers, warblers, cardinals, and many others. Along the walk, important trees and insects will be identified as well as ways that anyone can attract birds to their yard. Sixty-five species of birds have been seen in Riverside Park since recordkeeping began in January 2014. 

 

Riverside Park consists of approximately 200 acres of wetland habitat bordering the Calcasieu River. The park is set aside by the City of Lake Charles to ensure the conservation and restoration of native wildlife to create opportunities for human activity and interaction with nature.

 

More information is available at the Friends of Tuten Park Facebook page: facebook.com/friendsoftutenpark

 

- 30 -

 

“The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, executive orders, and regulations in all programs and activities.  The City operates without regard to race, color, national origin, income, gender, age, and disability.  Any person who believes him/herself or any specific class of persons, to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI may by him/herself or by representative file a written complaint with the City of Lake Charles.  The City's Title VI Coordinator may be reached by phone at (337) 491-1440, the Mayor's Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head.