National Parks celebrate centennial with free events

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park are celebrating the centennial year of the National Park Service with free family fun during National Park Week, Saturday through April 24.
National Park week is the perfect time to #FindYourPark and #EncuentraTuParque. For more information, call the site offering the program or visit the park websites at www.nps.gov/jela and www.nps.gov/jazz. Admission to all sites is free.
— Chalmette Battlefield (8606 West St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette, 504-281-0510) – Regency Home Economics features living history volunteers sharing the skills required for everyday living in the War of 1812 era: sewing, candlemaking, spinning, outdoor cooking and more. 10: a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. Free.
— Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center (314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux, 985-448-1375) – Special Centennial versions of ranger-guided boat tours on Bayou Lafourche (10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday; call the center or visit www.nps.gov/jela for ticket prices and reservations) and of free ranger-guided historic Thibodaux walking tours (2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Also, Bayou Clean-up volunteer project on April 21; call the center for details and to volunteer.
— Acadian Cultural Center (501 Fisher Rd., Lafayette, 337-232-0789 ext. 201) – Enjoy a concert of Creole music presented by New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, the Consulate General of France in New Orleans, and Festival Internationale. “L’Union Creole” features Pascal Danae & Delgres, Cedric Watson, Leyla McCalla, and Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots. 10 a.m., April 20. Free.
— French Quarter Visitor Center (419 Decatur St., New Orleans, 504-589-2636 ext. 1) – View “My Louisiana Love” and join the conversation with co-producer Monique Verdin. The film explores how recent environmental crises in Louisiana have affected Houma Indian life and traditions. Film 1 to 2 p.m,; discussion follows. April 23. Free.
— Barataria Preserve (6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 504-689-3690 ext. 10) – Join the preserve rangers on Park Rx Day for healthy family fun for mind (learn how energy is created by water and air waves) and body (animal yoga and animal Olympics). 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 24. Free.
Watch for the National Park Service Centennial Team at special events including the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission Youth Fitness Fest at Joe W. Brown Park on Saturday; the Earth Day Celebration at New Orleans City Park Botanical Gardens on April 19; and the Audubon Aquarium Party for the Planet on April 23.