NORD Outdoors

NORD Outdoors (a program provided by the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission) strives to provide recreational and educational Outdoors opportunities to all of New Orleans’ citizens. We cover the gamut: canoeing, archery, fishing, camping, nature walks, survival skills and geocaching. We provide a variety of offerings to appeal to a variety of tastes. The main goal: get people of all ages outside, expose them to new things and change their perspective! Connecting with nature has a variety of proven health benefits: boosting immune systems, lowering anxiety and increases energy, just to new a few. The well-being of our community is central to our mission. 

Further, we take all comers. We serve clubs, youth groups, traditional schools, homeschools, churches, scouts, families, special needs groups and the general public – anyone interested. At NORD Outdoors, we aim to grow our community’s collective appreciation for nature. If we achieve that, we have a better chance of protecting and conserving our vibrant, unique and diverse ecosystem, which is hanging in the balance. The heart and mind of every person counts in our mission of conservation.  

In short, the goal of NORD Outdoors is to improve the well-being of our citizens and help conserve this wonderful fishbowl we call home.

Join our spirited, easy-going crew for a unique volunteering experience! NORD Outdoors is looking for volunteers to help lead its Open Canoeing & Fishing activities at Joe W. Brown Park in New Orleans East. Training for all activities is provided. If you aren’t accustomed to outdoor recreation, step out of your comfort zone! This is an amazing (totally free) community-oriented program open to everyone. We are driven by volunteers, and we believe in access to nature for all. This program is free!

Our volunteers get in where they fit in! We highlight people’s strengths, but we also share tasks and work together.  Here are some of the tasks we need help with:

• Paddle Lessons
• Water Monitoring (Involves Being on the Water with Guests)
• Setup and Breakdown (Involves Toting Canoes)
• Casting Lessons
• Bait & Knot Lessons
• Registration & Waiver Duties
• PFD (Life Jacket) Distribution
• Casting Games for Children (Educational)
• Launching and Pulling in Canoes
• Any Creative Idea You Bring to the Table!

Moreover, if you commit to six Saturdays in a fall or spring season, you’ll earn the option to pursue a free Red Cross lifeguard certification as part of our Certs for Service program. Must be 15+ to apply for the lifeguard certification. 

Time: Every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Location: Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127

Take the leap if you are interested!!! Call, text or email! Saturday commitments are typically not consecutive, but we’re flexible. 

Contact: Justin Ammon, Outdoors Program Manager 

Cell: 504-655-8396 

Email: sjammon@nola.gov