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This space will be used primarily for explorations of the natural areas of the northeast corner of Louisiana–our service area. However, I spent several days last week in the southwest corner of the state–one of those days driving the Creaole Nature Trail (Highway 27)–and thought you might enjoy seeing a few of the sights.

The west leg of the Trail goes from Sulphur, La., straight south through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge to Holly Beach on the Coast. The Sabine offers at least two worthwhile stops: the Blue Goose Trail, which extends east from Highway 27 to the edge of Lake Calcascieu, and the Wildlife Walkway, a boardwalk through the wetlands to the west of Highway 27.

A word to the wise: Do the Blue Goose Trail in the winter! I tried once in summer and the flying insects beat me back before I got to the lake. Awful! I could not breath without inhaling a bug or two. This time I made it to the lake, and encountered blooming Cherokee roses on the way, as well as green hawthorn bushes that were blooming and fruiting at the same time.

From Holly Beach I drove straight east and stopped at the Cameron Pier Jetty. There to my surprise I encountered what I recognized immediately as goldenrod, blooming in the sand just yards back from the surf. Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) was a brand new species for me, and a fun addition to my wildflower photo collection.

Driving up the eastern leg of the Trail, I stopped at the Pintail Wildlife Drive & Boardwalk, and there encountered a crested caracara (Caracara cheriway). My first thought was “big hawk or small eagle,” thus I was particularly tickled to learn that in Texas and Mexico, this bird is called “Mexican Eagle.” This was another new species for me, and a great addition to my bird photo collection.

All in all? A fabulous day. I highly recommend it.

Folks, meet Grace Srichantra, our brand new and first ever communication intern. As you can see by her “talons out,” she is a go getter.

Grace is a student in Public Relations at ULM. This past semester, I was invited to speak to one of the classes I used to teach. I spoke of the importance of internships, and after class, Grace contacted me and asked to get involved. That is exactly how it should happen!

For her first assignment, Grace will do some research to learn more about Master Naturalists in general, and our Northeast chapter in particular. The first project she will help me with is our January media blitz.

Yes! It is time for us to go public in a big way. Grace and I discussed timing and agreed we should wait until after the holiday fuss is over. Using our January members meeting with guest speaker Chris Doffitt of Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries as news hook, we will issue press releases and schedule appearances on community oriented media programs.

Welcome aboard, Grace! So glad to have you.

Oh, and BTW, Grace’s name is pronounced pretty much just like it looks: “Sree CAN truh.”

So… a little overfed are we this Thanksgiving evening? No problem. The perfect solution is waiting for you at Black Bayou NWR!

Here’s some special events the next two days to get you back in shape:

Friday, November 24^th 10 AM – Black Friday Ranger Hike. Join the ranger for a leisurely 3 miles hike to work off that turkey and stay away from the stores.

Friday, November 24^th – 11 AM – Guided Canoe Trip. Call 387-1114 to reserve a canoe/kayak $10/person

Saturday, November 25^th – 10AM – Guided Canoe Trip. Call 387-1114 to reserve a canoe/kayak $10/person

No matter the season, Black Bayou NWR always has something interesting and beautiful to offer.

I am delighted to announce that Chris Doffitt, Field Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, will be our guest at our January LMN-NE meeting. Chris will speak to us about Louisiana’s Natural Areas Registry program.

The Registry program was created in 1987. It enables Louisiana to recognize, encourage and support citizens in making valuable contributions to preserving our state’s rich natural heritage. Chris will explain how the program works, answer questions and help us as naturalists to be advocates for our natural areas.

Our January meeting is scheduled Tuesday, January 9, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Black Bayou NWR Visitor’s Center. For those who are members of LMN-NE, attendance will count towards your 30 hours of required service/education in 2018.

The meeting is open to all who are interested in Master Naturalists. Bring friends! This will be a great introduction to our organization and the learning opportunities we will provide.

Here’s a link to Chris’ online profile: Chris Doffitt.

Boring announcement at the bottom. Keep reading!

I mentioned in the last post that charter board member Jeff Barnhill is an avid explorer of natural areas. Chemin-A-Haut in Morehouse Parish near the Arkansas state line is one of his favorite sites. He also takes beautiful pictures!

Jeff tells a fascinating story about how we almost lost this amazing place. Here it is in his words:

“Around 2005, the Morehouse Lake Commission was formed and there was a push to dam the creek at the bayou creating a lake. I saw the plans. Imagine what would have been lost here. I was dealing with chemo and radiation, but still found old canoe pictures on the creek, scanned them and made it known that there were old growth Bald Cypress here. The big hollow tree is dated at 1,000+ years old.

A lake isn’t going to happen now that people know what’s here. I’m sure many didn’t know what was here since access was difficult especially with no trail along the lake, but a lesson should have been learned about looking before you leap.”

Here’s the 1000+ year old tree, back view. To see the front of it you must be in a canoe, and Jeff has done that, too. In fact, if you find him on Facebook, which I highly recommend, you will see that his profile photo is of him, in his canoe, with his canoe inside the hollow of this tree.

Jeff says that these Water and Shagbark Hickory trees are a little past their prime fall color, but it’s still a gorgeous photo.

And now that you’ve enjoyed these lovely photos and a cool story about a naturalist at work (way to go, Jeff), here’s my announcement: The charter LMN-NE Board of Directors has a meeting scheduled at which we will elect officers, adopt by-laws and take care of other bureaucratic stuff so we can open a bank account, take online memberships and really get rolling.

Hang in, folks. We’re getting there!