News BREC to Host Ribbon Cutting for New Frenchtown Nature Station and City Nature Challenge: Connecting People to Nature

Baton Rouge, LouisianaApr 21, 2025The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) invites the community to celebrate the grand opening and official ribbon-cutting of the new Nature Station at BREC’s Frenchtown Conservation Area on April 25 at 10 a.m. The Nature Station is an elevated, flood-resilient facility replacing the original building lost in the historic 2016 flood. The event will also kick-off the City Nature Challenge, a four-day friendly nature competition that goes on across the globe April 25 to April 28, 2025. The Baton Rouge Area is competing against 800+ cities all over the world to see which city can show the most wildlife in their area, including plants, animals, insects, mushrooms, fish, turtles, etc. 

The Nature Station at Frenchtown Conservation Area reflects BREC’s long-term commitment to equitable access to nature, flood recovery, and climate resilience. The $2 million project was designed by Fusion Architects of Baton Rouge and BREC’s Planning and Engineering team and constructed by Capital Construction Contractors. The elevated steel-frame structure features three flexible-use meeting rooms designed for events, educational programming, meetings, and summer camps. The facility also includes modern restrooms, dedicated staff workspaces, a shaded pavilion for outdoor gatherings beneath the structure, and a clearly marked trailhead that connects visitors directly to the park’s extensive trail system. 

BREC Superintendent Corey Wilson stated, “The 2016 flood devastated this property, but what we’ve built here is more than a replacement, it’s a reinvestment. This Nature Station was designed not just to come back, but to come back better, stronger, and ready for the future.” 

The ceremonial ribbon cutting and remarks from local officials, which begins at 10 a.m., will be directly followed by an opportunity to tour the building and to learn about the City Nature Challenge and how to participate. Other opportunities will include nature touch tables, the chance to interact with representatives from the Louisiana Master Naturalists and learn about their efforts to preserve regional ecosystems. Conservation-minded individuals can connect with BREC’s Green Force Volunteer program and learn how to get involved with volunteer projects that support the protection of local natural spaces.  

Those unable to attend Friday’s event are invited to continue the adventure during the Open House Weekend. On Saturday, April 26, the site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, April 27, the site will be open from noon to 5 p.m., with a guided hike at 1:30 p.m. This weekend event is a celebration of nature, resilience, and community. Everyone is invited to experience the future of conservation in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

For more information about BREC, visit brec.org. For more information about the Nature City Challenge, visit brnaturechallenge.org.