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The full name of the place where the city kids in our story (see the September 2003 issue of Ranger Rick) went is the Atchafalaya River Basin.

"Atchafalaya" comes from the Choctaw Indian words for "Long River." The Atchafalaya River floods the area and creates a huge wetland--one of the largest swamps in the United States.

Because the Atchafalaya is so large, you need to be careful about heading into it on your own or even with people who don't know it well. It's very easy to get lost there!  Here are a few tips, if you and your family decide to explore this swamp:

• You can walk in the swamp too. Where? Try starting out at the Indian Bayou Wildlife Management Area. It's got lots of hiking and nature trails, including a handicapped-accessible one. Indian Bayou can be reached from I-10. Take the Butte La Rose exit and head north. Or you can try going across the river to the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. (The entrance is off State Route 975.) Here there is a nature trail, as well as a paved handicapped-accessible trail.
• Another way to see the swamp--without worrying about getting lost in it--is on a sightseeing boat. To find a boat tour, have an adult check out these three web addresses:
• Lafayette Travel
• Frommers
• McGee's Landing

What might you see in the Atchafalaya? Hopefully you'll glimpse at least some of these amazing plants and animals:

• Water-loving trees, such as bald cypress, overcup oak, and tupelo. Loggers have cut down many trees over the years, but you can still see some--and the stumps of others.
• Amphibians and reptiles, including thousands of alligators, as well as snakes, such as copperheads and cottonmouths, and treefrogs. Altogether more than 50 species (kinds) of reptiles and amphibians live here.
• The Atchafalaya has many different kinds of fish, including largemouth bass, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish.
• Bird lovers won't be disappointed. Several hundred species of birds, including owls, egrets, ibises, and bald eagles, are found in the Atchafalaya. Also songbirds stop here to rest and feed while migrating through the area.
• Mammals, too, love the forests and swamps of the area. You could see otters, beavers, mink, raccoons, deer, foxes, coyotes, and even the endangered Louisiana black bear.

What's the best time to visit?
Many people say very early Spring (before heavy rains) or late Fall. Remember to bring your bug spray when you come. Have fun!

NOTE: Some of the kids on the swamp trip in Ranger Rick heard it about it through the Outdoor Legacy Association, Inc. It's a group in Baton Rouge that introduces kids from that city to the wilderness through activities, including canoeing, hiking, and fishing.

If you live in Baton Rouge and want to find out more, ask an adult to contact the association:

Outdoor Legacy Association, Inc.
1421 White Cross Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
e-mail: e1lj3@aol.com

(Too bad Outdoor Legacy doesn't have programs in other cities.)