News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 9/8/04   INTRODUCTORY TEACHER WORKSHOPS TO BE OFFERED AT SLU’S TURTLE COVE IN OCTOBER       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station will again offer special hands-on workshops for teachers this fall.      Turtle Cove staff biologist Michael Greene said “Introduction to the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary” will be held at the university’s teaching and research facility in the Manchac wetlands Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 22-24.      “Because of its location, the active research being conducted there, and the opportunities for hands-on teaching and learning, Turtle Cove is an ideal location for learning about the monumental environmental problems facing Louisiana’s coastal zone,” Greene said.      Greene said the free workshops, which include food and lodging, will begin on Friday evening and end midday on Sunday. Attending one of the basic workshops will qualify teachers to enroll for advanced topic workshops later in the year.      Greene said the October workshops will introduce teachers to wetland ecosystems with an emphasis on the Lake Pontchartrain system and its current and historical, ecological and environmental problems.        “We will make a detailed investigation of wetland function and value with an emphasis on appreciation of the physical environment, including flora and fauna,” he said. “Teachers will be introduced to many ideas and concepts that they can take back to their classrooms and easily incorporate into a multitude of lesson plans.”       Greene said participants will engage in classroom and microscope work, dip-netting, photography, canoeing and other wetlands exploration.      Since space is limited early registration is encouraged. To register or for more information, contact Greene at mgreene@selu.edu or 985-549-3600.