VIDEO: Paddling through time on Cane Bayou

Escape the urban rush with a Paddle Through Time — a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program that allows individuals to experience the excitement of canoeing southeast Louisiana’s scenic Cane Bayou, while learning how humans have interacted with and changed the land over time. The two- to three-hour trip navigates three distinct habitat zones, through some of the area’s most mesmerizing scenery. The cost is $5 per paddler and the next trek takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22; pre-registration is required.

Recently, Jonathan Bonano, a student in the Department of Film and Theatre at the University of New Orleans, filmed a journey into the wetlands with a park ranger David Stoughton. For a taste of the experience, enjoy his documentary film below.

If walking is more your thing, check out the sixth annual Bayou Garden Open House this Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Bayou Lacombe Center of the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Big Branch Marsh Wildlife Refuge, at 61389 Highway 434 in Lacombe. The 110- acre property, historically known as “Bayou Gardens,” contains more than 400 cultivars of camellias, plus a variety of other exotic plants. The event will showcase the large camellia collection of the former Bayou Gardens, many of which are in full bloom. Activities scheduled for the day include both talks and demonstration s from the Northshore Club and American Camellia Society.