The Louisiana bayou offers opportunities few place’s can match if going outdoors and enjoying nature is your sort of thing. And for Collegians at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, it no doubt is their sort of thing – and they proved it last week when they rented a swamp boat and Cajun tour guide to learn about the ecology of this fascinating part of the natural world.
The trip was set up in anticipation of a visit by CFACT’s co-founder and executive director Craig Rucker, who was visiting the campus to address the local chapter
“When we heard CFACT’s co-founder Craig Rucker was going to be in town, we wanted to show him a little bit of our world,” chimed chapter chair Graham, “we knew he was going to love it!”
And indeed Rucker did. Joined by 8 other Collegian members, he climbed on board a pontoon boat and went on a two hour cruise filled with glimpses of turtles, Spanish moss, osprey’s and best of all … gators [and lots of ‘em]!
“This trip was outstanding, among the best ones ever that I’ve went on with a Collegians chapter,” remarked Rucker. “The guide was also amazing, giving us lots of information about the ecology and way-of-life of those living in the bayou – and best of all, delivering it with a sense of humor,” he added.
After the swamp boat tour, the group gathered at a local restaurant where they enjoyed native Canjun fare and discussed upcoming plans for the semester. Rucker took time to also share with them a bit about CFACT’s history and mission. The trip inspired and energized all who took part to not only share what they’ve learned, but explore new ways of reaching others and grow the chapter in the coming semester.
