Happy Mardi Gras! The Mardi Gras season is in full swing in the Baton Rouge region, with lots of parades and parties.
The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge entered a walking krewe for the first time in the Mid City Gras parade. The annual event is a small, family-friendly parade in the Mid City neighborhood led by the parade mascot, Sparky the Squirrel. Participants are encouraged to avoid the traditional plastic beads and bring home-made throws to share with the crowd, such as decorated acorns and other fun trinkets. The Master Naturalists decided that handing out native seed packets would be perfect, and of course contacted the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter for seeds and advice. They were provided with native flower seeds from the chapter seed library, and the formatted file to print the seed packet stickers with the photo of the flower and helpful information. The Master Naturalist volunteers prepared the seed packets, and on February 8, 2026, dressed as Mother Nature, plants, and animals, gave the seed packets to eager parade watchers . The reception was wonderful and people were excited to receive them!
