Get Ready for a Party for the Planet

Spring has sprung and Audubon Nature Institute is hosting a party to celebrate! The annual celebration of nature is called Party for the Planet presented by Entergy and it is focused on connecting people with nature and showing them ways they can make a positive impact on the natural world. The event is free to attend.

Party for the Planet presented by Entergy happens in multiple parts over the spring and summer and will include all Audubon attractions. The first event is “Spring Into Action” at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center (ALNC), located at 11000 Lake Forest Blvd., on March 22, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy nature-themed activities, curated walks through the beautiful hardwood forest, and interactive experiences. Popular entertainer and culture-bearer Greyhawk Perkins will engage guests with storytelling throughout the day.

The ALNC Planetarium & Nature Dome Theater will have a free open house during Spring Into Action featuring  short films and presentations from Space Rangers and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. There will be a special showing of “Habitat Earth: Living in a Connected World” at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the “Habitat Earth: Living in a Connected World” Planetarium show are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and seniors. Audubon members receive a discount. All other Spring Into Action events are free.

“Events like Spring Into Action and the other Party for the Planet events showcase ways to enjoy nature and learn ways everyone can make small changes in their lives that combine to help our environment,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President, CEO, and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

Community partners play an important role in sharing information about ways to connect with the natural world. Look for these organizations during Spring Into Action:

·       NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors – will talk about the ambassador program and availability for classroom/event presentations on NASA missions, space science, and astronomy.

·       Crown Community Garden – will discuss seeds, seedlings, produce and remedies from the garden.

·       New Orleans East Green Infrastructure Collective (NOEGIC) – will share Green Infrastructure informational material and how to become a Water Wise Champion.

·       Stinky Science – will share information about biodegradable Mardi Gras throws and ways for reducing waste during Mardi Gras.

·       Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans (LMNGMO) – will be discussing local Louisiana organisms and their habitats to help visitors become more environmentally aware and interested in becoming conservation stewards.

·       Gulf South Mycological Society will share their love of mushrooms and the fascinating role that mushrooms play in nature, along with information about the club, upcoming events, and how to join.

·       Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge will provide a watershed educational experience and focus on benefits of wetlands for humans and wildlife. They will also highlight the role and importance of public lands.

·       Audubon Insectarium staff will connect visitors with the wonders of our local insects and invertebrates.

·       New Orleans Classical & Jazz – will be entertaining the group with a folk band.

This series is supported by Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, which directs $1 million annually to environmental improvement projects.

Spring Into Action is the first of the series in Party for the Planet presented by Entergy experiences. Some of the other special events include the following:

Saturday, May 17: Endangered Species Day at Audubon Zoo where guests can join the celebration of endangered species and learn about efforts to protect them around the world and here at home. 

Saturday, June 7: World Ocean Day at Audubon Aquarium. A worldwide day of ocean celebration and collaboration for clean oceans and a better future. 

Saturday, June 28: Pollination Celebration at Audubon Insectarium. A celebration of the valuable roles pollinators play in our environment. 

Audubon joins many other Association of Zoos and Aquariums-(AZA) accredited zoos and aquariums across North America in throwing a Party for the Planet. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums spend $230 million on field conservation alone, supporting projects benefiting more than 800 species in 130 countries. To date, The AZA Conservation Grants Fund has provided $7.7 million in support of 400+ projects worldwide.