First we heard Johnny Armstrong talk about his restoration project at our 3rd Quarter Meeting, then we took him up on his offer to show it to us. Last Sunday afternoon, a handful of Louisiana Master Naturalists, Northeast Chapter, meandered through the restored shortleaf pine, oak, hickory woodland on Wafer Creek Ranch northwest of Ruston, La.
What a delight! Johnny has invested decades in this project and not for naught. The result is a woodland, indeed, but one characterized by relatively open spaces covered with a diverse array of grasses and wildflowers.
What was blooming this late October day? More than you might think! Narrowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), Gayfeather Blazingstar (Liatris elegans), White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), several species of Goldenrod (Genus Solidago), and a couple of species of Thoroughwort (Genus Eupatorium), to name just a few.
As one who has struggled to learn to identify grasses, I appreciated both Johnny’s descriptions of the grasses on Wafer Creek Ranch in his book, and his gentle quizzing and generous sharing of characteristics on site. Of course, grasses bloom too, but at this point in the year, the grasses were finished blooming and were heavy with seed or already releasing seeds to the wind.
Speaking of his book, I highly recommend it. It is both enjoyable to read and visually attractive, with many fine photographic illustrations. The title is Rescuing Biodiversity and Johnny begins it with a compelling discussion of just why that is necessary. It is available from LSU Press.
Thank you, Johnny, not only for an afternoon well spent but for your powerful example of how to steward our rich natural heritage.
Louisiana Master Naturalists - Northeast 