Getting back to Nature Iberia Parish At any given moment at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, visitors may spot a lazy alligator swimming by, its menacing eyes jutting above the waterline, examining his surroundings

. Birds of all kind sing in the trees, while dragonflies flit about. Owls hoot in the treetops when dusk settles. For those who spend the night at the park’s newly renovated cabins, this scene plays out all day and night, especially from the view of the screened porches that reach over the water of Old Bird Island Chute. The 6,000-acre park is a wildlife preserve so nature’s at its best here. Deer, raccoons, migratory and resident birds are in abundance, in addition to those alligators giving you the eye. And throughout the park are miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands and along waterways, accessible by foot or bicycle. Since there are troughs, bayous, and lakes in and around the park, it’s a great paddling adventure as well. The park offers boat launches, canoe rentals, picnic areas, and RV campsites. There are many ways to get back to nature in Iberia Parish, with the Atchafalaya Basin, the nation’s largest river swamp, along its eastern boundary. Fishing, hunting and swamp tours abound within the Atchafalaya. The sleepy Bayou Teche slowly weaves through the parish on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, providing great canoe and kayaking opportunities. Just outside the city of New Iberia are two unique sites combining history with nature on what we call islands, although both are actual earthen rises due to protruding salt domes underneath the surface. Jungle Gardens on Avery Island is home to Tabasco hot sauce, which offers factory tours as well. Jefferson Island is home of Rip Van Winkle Gardens that includes the Victorian Jefferson Mansion and Café Jefferson. Both feature bird rookeries that teem with species during nesting season. Discover more outdoors adventure at http://qoo.ly/y4jmr By Cheré Coen