Today’s installment of everyone’s favorite series for the Conglomerate comes as a suggestion from Dr. Hansen. If you do not know the lovely Dr. Hansen, she teaches BIO 101, Ecology, and Conservation among other great classes for our Biology department. She has previously done research on different ecological topics, one of which is chimpanzees. The reason she recommended Eddie D. Jones Park is because it is the site of Chimp Haven which is a 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary run by the Chimp Haven, Inc. non-profit. Eddie D. Jones Park is also the site for an 82-acre Veterans Cemetery. It’s a bit further of a drive than other parks in Caddo Parish, but there are lots of things that make this park special, so let’s get into it. 

Distance from Centenary: 25 miles

Drive length: 37 minutes

Park amenities: biking trials, hiking trails, horseback trails, restrooms, showers, pavilion, paved parking, and picnic tables.

Things you can do: recreation programs, biking, hiking, horseback riding, have a picnic, mountain bike racing, trail runs, etc.

Rating: 9 Chimps/9

This is an example of a larger Parish Park that can offer a lot to its community. Eddie D. Jones Park is an 800-acre park that has over 20+ miles of trails winding throughout its hardwood forest landscape. The hardwood forest of North Louisiana is one highlight of this region that I love. That might have partly to do with the fact that I grew up on a pine tree farm 15-20 minutes from this park, so I know the environment pretty well. However, I had not heard about this park until I was talking to Dr. Hansen about this series on the Congo. She suggested I write about it, so I explored it. Safe to say my explorations were successful because you’re reading this article. 

I have not had a chance to check out the park myself, but just from talking about it with some people and looking at it online, it is definitely on my list of things to do during one of the upcoming breaks we have. My parents have unfortunately sold my old bike, but I love a good hike, so I can still make use of the trails. There are many ways you can enjoy a good hike. You could bring your leashed pets and spend some quality time with the furriest of friends. You could also go with friends and have a really invigorating conversation while exercising and taking nature at the same time. My personal favorite way to take a hike is to put my earphones in, blast some music, and take that time to think. I use immersing myself in nature as a medium to reflect on the past, present, and or future. The music helps to block out all the outside noise so I can focus inward. You should try it out sometime!

I would also love to check out Chimp Haven at least once while I’m at Centenary. There are not many opportunities to see a sanctuary like this in our area, so it is pretty remarkable that this one is here. Their main point is not necessarily to cater to the public, but they do have something called Chimpanzee Discovery Day. This is a day where the sanctuary is opened to the public in the morning for tickets starting at just $10 and it happens twice a year. The next one will be held in April and you can click here to see more information about it. 

I hope you will be able to give this park a visit soon! Eddie D. Jones Park really has a lot to offer, and it isn’t so far from Centenary that it couldn’t make for a fun day out with friends or just for yourself. Rest, relaxation, and recreation are all great for your mind, body, and soul. That is definitely a necessary reminder as we go into the home stretch of the semester. Prep week and finals are coming up, so I hope you take care of yourselves the best you can, and I’ll see you on the other side with a high five waiting!

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