NEW IBERIA, La. --- The TECHE Project will hold its second annual “Geaux Paddle” Youth Workshop for ages 10-14 on Sat., June 8. The goal of Geaux Paddle is to get kids who have never paddled before, comfortable with paddling and then out enjoying Bayou Teche, the first National Water Trail in Louisiana.

The one-day workshop, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., will include safety instruction, an experiment on water testing, a paddle to New Iberia City Park and an art project with TECHE Project Council member and Iberia Parish educator Margaret Simon. The paddle portion will also teach about wood duck boxes and the importance of providing safe nest sites for reproduction; education on flora and fauna and the importance of native plants; and trash pickup. 

“We launched this program as the result of a grant last year, with the hope of being able to continue it annually,” said TECHE Project Director, Patti Holland. “The kids who participated had such a great time, and we are excited to further spread our message of environmental awareness and sustainability along Bayou Teche.” 

Participants must register in advance on Eventbrite. The cost of the workshop is $20 and includes kayaks/canoes, lifejackets, snacks and drinks. 

About TECHE Project:

The TECHE Ecology, Culture and History Education Project started in 2008 in St. Landry Parish. Our nonprofit, membership-based organization is made up of individuals passionate about making Bayou Teche a healthier waterway for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, tubing and even swimming. We advocate for improved water quality in the Bayou Teche watershed and have removed 60 tons of garbage to date. The TECHE Project encourages everyone to enrich, explore, and embrace the Bayou Teche.

For more information, contact Erin Bass with the TECHE Project by email or at (337) 706-2323.