New Orleans,
20
March
2023
|
10:17 AM
America/Chicago

Spring Into Action at Party for the Planet Presented by Entergy

Audubon Nature Institute is hosting a Party for the Planet this spring, focused on how everyone can make a positive impact on the natural world. Party for the Planet offers families unique opportunities to visit their local AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium, celebrate the Earth’s biodiversity, and learn how they can take action to make a difference.

Party for the Planet is presented by Entergy and starts with “Spring Into Action” at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center on April 1, 2023. Guests at this event and others in the series can enjoy activities, hands-on discovery and interactive experiences that promote environmental awareness. It is free to attend, and runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This year, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will recognize Grayhawk Perkins as a special Cultural Naturalist during Spring Into Action. Perkins is a well-known musician, performer and tribal storyteller with background in both the Choctaw and United Houma Native Nations. He recently was awarded the title of Cultural Standard Bearer for Louisiana from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Perkins will perform throughout the Nature Center event.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Director of Operations Isaac Wyatt. “Spring Into Action gives our guests a chance to explore the Nature Center, learn from our conservation partners, and connection with nature in new and exciting ways.”  

Guests can take part in fun opportunities to experience the natural world including hearing from a NASA Solar System Ambassador, attend a workshop hosted by Waterwise, learn about the soon-to-reopen Audubon Insectarium, and many more activities connecting guests to nature. Admission to this event is free to the public. 

“When we provide opportunities to help people learn about sustainability and conservation, our surrounding communities benefit,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “An important part of a clean energy future includes protecting our natural resources that exist today. That’s why we continue to partner with the Audubon Nature Institute to encourage everyone to help take care of our environment.”

Through a partnership with the City of New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans has placed free to use public electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city. Several electric vehicles will be on display at Spring Into Action, Entergy representatives will be on site to talk about the vehicles and how they can make a difference in the community and can help the city reach its clean energy goals. Audubon Zoo has two free electric vehicle charging stations, and two additional chargers are located on The Fly along the riverfront near the zoo.

Spring Into Action is the first of a three-part Party for the Planet series. Other special events include:

Endangered Species Day May 20 at Audubon Zoo

World Oceans Day June 8 

This series is supported by Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, which directs $1 million annually to environmental improvement projects. Party for the Planet is part of Entergy’s recognition of the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day. 

Audubon Nature Institute joins many other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos and aquariums across North America in throwing a Party for the Planet, making it the largest combined Earth Day, Endangered Species Day, and World Oceans Day celebration. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums spend $220 million on field conservation alone, supporting more than 2,600 projects in 130 countries. To date, the AZA Conservation Grants Fund has provided $7.7 million in support for 400+ projects worldwide.