Workshop Adventures – Louisiana Master Naturalists

Rooted in Discovery: LMN-NE explores the Kisatchie National Forest in Dr. Charles Allen’s Plants Workshop.

By Charles Paxton. Photos by Kim & Charles Paxton

I think we all appreciate the importance of plants as primary producers in our food web, we simply wouldn’t survive without them. Sadly plants are disappearing faster than science can keep up with documenting and protecting them according to an article in The Times (Kew’s 300-year-old archive goes digital to sow seeds of AI breakthroughs). The grim reality that 40% of the world’s plants could be threatened with extinction is countered by determined efforts to use the latest technology in their stewardship. See ‘Every box has been opened’: London botanic gardens digitizes 7 million specimens in Nature and Kew Garden’s State of The World’s Plants and Fungi for the latest info about how data sharing is a crucial tool in conservation efforts (06/16/26). There’s lots to unwrap there, but it’s safe to say botanical hotspots like The Kisatchie National Forest are truly precious reserves of Biodiversity!

Another Key weapon in our fight for plant conservation is education! Eight Louisiana Master Naturalists Northeast, and 1 each from CENLA and Northwest gathered in Georgetown for our 2026 LMNNE Plants Workshop!

This was our fourth Plants workshop with Dr. Charles Allen, former ULM university professor, esteemed botanical conservationist and author of multiple books, the Caroline Dormon Outstanding Louisiana Naturalist of the Year 2018!

During Rendezvous 2024, I greatly enjoyed his Edible Plants Workshop at Black Bayou Lake NWR. He supplied the native bamboo for the cane break section of the arboretum there. He is an extremely knowledgeable and witty educator capable of educating and entertaining in a wonderful, tireless flow.

Louisiana Master Naturalists presenting instructor with botanical specimens for identification. — Louisiana Master Naturalists presenting Dr. Charles Allen with botanical specimens for identification!

“Why is this called a Dogwood?” “It’s because of the bark.” No, but seriously, this was another fantastic workshop. Henceforth we can tell at a glance between an Ash and a Hickory! I’ve always wanted to be sure of that. We drove into the Kisatchie southeast of Georgetown and parked at various points of interest where Dr. Allen sent us off to gather plants and bring them back to him for identification and discussion of their distinguishing characteristics and intriguing factoids. We explored mixed hardwood and conifer woodland with some mesic tracts, then Shortleaf pinewoods with their far airier ambience and rich understory. We encountered a diverse population of grasses, forbs, vines, shrubs and trees. At one point we saw a large WWII era bunker. The Kisatchie served as army training ground and thus assisted in the liberation of Europe and the Far East!

Dr. Charles Allen educating about plants with a botanical sample.

Dr. Charles Allen educating about plants with a botanical sample while a lady naturalist looks on.

Wildflowers by the roadside in Kisatchie National forest, Louisiana.

Native wildlfowers on road verge with pine trees and green car in background

Hands holding a wild Delphinium with blue flowers in Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest

We learned through these many examples about the importance of noting the opposite or alternate pattern of branches and leaves, the character of their leaf shapes and edges, the quality of their bark, and their flowers. Amongst many other things we learned how to make tea from Yaupon leaves! The samples collected were carefully bagged for use in our classroom phase of the workshop.

We are very grateful to the community of Dry Prong for provision of their excellent Dry Prong Community Center for our classroom portion of the workshop. Our drive to Dry Prong took us through lovely vistas of Shortleaf and endangered Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) forest in the rolling hills. Here Dr. Allen and his daughter, Dawn, laid out all the specimens on tables and then matched them to Dr. Allen’s latest ‘Plants Species List’. Dawn’s husband runs Almost Eden online and mail order plant store.

Dry Prong Village Community Center front door

Master Botanist holding up a botanical sample

Master Botanist teaching plants to Louisiana Master Naturalists during a Plants Workshop indoor portion.

Louisiana Master Naturalists Plants Workshop indoor portion.

Botanical class for Louisiana Master Naturalists in Dry Prong Community Center

A native wild Phlox studied under glass for better focus

Happy botanist presenting plants for identification and study.

Scientist examining plant samples. Close examination of real plants is important in botany

To our bag of specimens collected on the day, Dr. Allen and Dawn added a treasure trove of specimens collected from their own property, the wonderful Allen Acres B&B, itself an important botanical and entomological hotspot. The Allens manage their private nature reserve for biodiversity, check them out if you’re looking for a highly rated ecotour stay, local tours to the Kisatchie including Pitcher Plant bogs, and top quality botanical books and courses!

Species encountered

Check out our impressive Workshop Plants List! We saw the following in the field and at Dry Prong Village Community Center!

Woody

0.5 Abilia chinensis Chinese abilia

11 Aralia spinosa DEVIL’S WALKINGSTICK FAC

21 Callicarpa americana AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRY FACU

22 Campsis radicans TRUMPET CREEPER FAC

29 Cephalanthus occidentalis BUTTONBUSH OBL

34 Cornus florida FLOWERING DOGWOOD FACU

39 Diospyros virginiana PERSIMMON FAC

35 Crataegus crus-galli/marshallii/spathulata HAWTHORN FAC

39 Diospyros virginiana PERSIMMON FAC

41 Fagus grandifolia AMERICAN BEECH FACU

46 Fraxinus pennsylvanica GREEN ASH FACW

49 Hamamelis virginiana WITCHHAZEL FACU

61 Ilex vomitoria YAUPON FAC

69 Liquidambar styraciflua SWEETGUM FAC

73 Magnolia grandiflora SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

74 Magnolia virginiana WHITE BAY (VIRGINIA SWEET BAY) FACW

77 Morus alba/rubra WHITE/RED MULBERRY FACU

78 Myrica (Morella) cerifera/ WAXMYRTLE (BAYBERRY) FAC

84 Parthenocissus quinquefolia VIRGINIA CREEPER FACU

87 Pinus echinata SHORTLEAF PINE

89 Pinus palustris/taeda LONGLEAF/LOBLOLLY PINE FAC

101 Quercus nigra WATER OAK FAC

102 Quercus alba/falcata/hemispherica/virginiana WHITE/SOUTHERN RED/UPLAND WILLOW/LIVE OAK FACU

109 Rhus copallinum WINGED SUMAC UPL

119 Smilax bona-nox SAW GREENBRIER & Smilax glauca SAWBRIER & Smilax rotundifolia COMMON GREENRIER FAC

122 Smilax smallii UPLAND BAMBOO VINE FACU

129 Toxicodendron pubescens POISON OAK FACU

136 Vaccinium elliottii SUMMER HUCKLEBERRY FACW

137 Vaccinium stamineum DEER BERRY, SQUAW BERRY

140 Viburnum dentatum ARROWWOOD FAC

142 Vitis rotundifolia MUSCADINE FAC

Forbs

152 Agalinis spp PURPLE FALSE FOXGLOVE

155 Alophia drummondii PINEWOODS LILY FACU

159 Ambrosia artemisifolia COMMON RAGWEED FACU

171 Asclepias tuberosa MILKWEED

Vitis (genus) MULTIPLE

Baptisia

185 Buchnera americana BLUEHEARTS FAC

187 Callirhoe papaver WINECUP

195 Cassia (Chamaecrista) fasciculata PARTRIDGE PEA FACU

197 Centrosema virginiana BUTTERFLY PEA

200 Chamaesyce nutans SPOTTED SANDMAT/EYEBANE FACU

216 Coreopsis pubescens/tinctoria/tripteris TICKSEED FAC

228.5 Daucus pusillus AMERICAN WILD CARROT

228.75 Delphinium caroliniana

232 Diodia virginiana VIRGINIA BUTTONWEED FACW

233 Dioscorea villosa WILD YAM FACW

242 Elephantopus carolinianus ELEPHANT’S FOOT FACU

246 Erigeron strigosus DAISY FLEABANE FAC

253 Eupatorium capillifoium DOGFENNEL/YANKEEWEED FAC

256 Eupatorium perfoliatum BONESET FACW

257 Eupatorium rotundifolium LATEFLOWERING THOROUGHWORT FAC

258 Euphorbia corollata FLOWERING SPURGE

265 Gaillardia pulchella FIREWHEEL UPL

280 Helenium amarum BITTERWEED FACU

282 Helenium flexuosum PURPLE SNEEZEWEED FACW

285 Helianthus Hirsutus/mollis/HAIRY/ASHY SUNFLOWER

Houstonia

322 Lepidium virginicum PEPPERGRASS UPL

323 Lespedeza cuneata LESPEDEZA FACU

Liatris

334 Linum striatum YELLOW FLAX FACW

346 Matelea gonocarpus CLIMBING MILKWEED VINE

356 Mimosa nuttallii SENSITIVE BRIAR

360 Mitchella repens PARTRIDGE BERRY FACU

364 “Monarda fistulosa BEEBALM/HORSEMINT FACU”

382 Passiflora incarnata PURPLE MAYPOP (PASSION VINE)

389 Phlox paniculata FALL PHLOX FACW

399 Pityopsis graminifolia GRASSLEAVED GOLDENASTER/SILK GRASS UPL

411 Polygala mariana CANDY ROOT FACW

420 Prunella vulgaris HEAL ALL FAC

426 Pycnanthemum albescens/muticum WHITELEAF/CLUSTER MOUNTAIN MINT FAC

427 Pycnanthemum tenuifolium SLENDER MOUNTAIN MINT FACW

Ranunculus

432 Rhexia alifanus/lutea/mariana/petiolata/virginica MEADOW BEAUTY FACW

433 Rhynchosia latifolia PRAIRIE SNOUTBEAN

435 Rudbeckia grandiflora/hirta ROUGH CONEFLOWER/BLACKEYED SUSAN FACU

437 Ruellia carolinensis WILD PETUNIA FACU

442 Sabatia brachiata ROSE GENTIAN FAC

446 Salvia azurea BLUE SAGE/ Salvia lyrata LYRELEAF SAGE FACU

448 Sanicula canadensis BLACK SNAKEROOT FACU

452 Scutellaria elliptica/parvula TRACTORSEAT/SKULLCAP FACU

461.5 Silphium asteriscus STARRY ROSINWEED

464 Solanum carolinense HORSE NETTLE FACU

465 Solidago caesia/altissima (canadensis)/odora COMMON GOLDENROD/SWEET GOLDENROD FACU

466 Solidago rugosa WRINKLELEAF GOLDENROD FAC

474 Spiranthes spp. LADY TRESSES

480 Strophostyles umbellata PINK FUZZYBEAN FAC

484 Styllingia sylvatica QUEEN”S ROOT

485 Stylosanthes biflora PENCIL FLOWER

487 Tephrosia virginiana/onobrychoides GOAT’S RUE/MULTIBLOOM HOARYPEA

511 Verbena braziliensis BRAZILIAN VERVAIN /Verbena halei TEXAS VERVAIN

515 Vernonia texana IRONWEED FACU

Dichanthelium

619 Carex cherokeensis CARIC SEDGE FACW

I enjoyed this workshop even though I’ve studied with Dr. Allen five times because each time I learn something new and am reminded of what he has taught, and more knowledge sticks in my head to serve me in the field and my own attempts to educate. You bet we’re going to relay some of this knowledge in our forthcoming Basic Field Skills Workshop (Save the date July 18).

A massive THANK YOU to our participants, Dr. Allen, his daughter Dawn, the good people of Dry Prong and the Forestry Service for making this event a great success.

Want to learn more?

Check out LMNGBR Nature Notes ~ Louisiana Native Plants on the LMNA Channel.

Check out Larry Allain’s “Guide to the Plants of Louisiana“, an online searchable database containing descriptions, distribution maps, and over 5,000 photographs of 1,755 plant species!

State of the World’s Plants & Fungi Symposium

Join international experts at State of The World’s Plants & Fungi Symposium to explore the digitization of herbarium and fungarium collections, including its applications and implications. https://www.kew.org/science/engage/get-involved/conferences/sotwpf-symposium#kla-join-online

Want to help?

Things that we can do:

Join the iNaturalist community. Add images and details of your plant observations to iNaturalist’s growing data-base. This data can be used to inform scientific research with far-reaching implications.
Plant natives in your yards / patio pots / window boxes etc. There are multiple sources of responsibly harvested seeds and cultivated plants that work very well in home landscaping projects, locally we have Grown By Grace Native Plants and Sammy’s Plant World too. Remember that even in the absence of wildlife corridors a mosaic of multiple wildlife garden patches helps support a variety of wildlife very effectively.
Watch our Volunteer Opportunities Page and media releases for opportunities to participate in local Phenological projects, restoration projects, outreach activities and more.
Avoid pesticides and broadscale herbicides in your yard.
Delay mowing to allow flowers time to host insects. Alternatively, mow paths and leave islands of longer grass and flowers.

Upcoming Events, Workshop Adventures

2026 LMNA Rendezvous’ Workshops & Presentations!

Rooted in Acadiana — A Weekend of Science, Culture, and Hands‑On Discovery

It’s not too late to book your place at The 2026 LMNA Rendezvous. This highlight of the Louisiana naturalists’ year brings together naturalists, scientists, artists, and community leaders for a rich weekend of learning across Acadiana’s most iconic landscapes. This year’s workshop lineup blends cutting‑edge research, immersive field experiences, and creative exploration — all grounded in Louisiana’s unique ecological and cultural heritage. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Acadiana’s wonders, network with kindred spirits, and learn a whole lot!

Friday: Science, Storytelling & Nighttime Discovery

The weekend opens with The World of Viruses, an accessible, eye‑opening session revealing how viruses shape ecosystems in ways far beyond human disease. Researchers share new possibilities for mosquito‑specific viruses and the hidden viral worlds inside red algae.

That evening, participants gather for a private screening of Louisiana Grass Roots, a documentary celebrating the region’s endangered coastal prairie and the cultural identity rooted in it. A Q&A with producer Dr. Phyllis Griffard deepens the conversation around restoration and community action.

After dark, naturalists head into the field for rotating adventures in moth sheeting, herping, bat observation, and stargazing — a chance to experience Louisiana’s nocturnal biodiversity up close.

Saturday Morning: Birds, Citizen Science & Conservation in Action

The day begins at Cypress Island Preserve, where volunteers lead a bird walk focused on prothonotary warblers and the citizen‑science project supporting them. Participants learn how nest boxes are monitored and how they can contribute at home.

Back at the conference center, our own Dr. Bette Kauffman introduces naturalists to the power of online citizen‑science platforms, with a deep dive into eBird and iNaturalist.

At the ULL Ecology Center, a series of behind‑the‑scenes tours showcases native seed banking, oyster sustainability research, and the Acadiana Native Plant Project’s greenhouse operations. These sessions highlight how restoration, aquaculture innovation, and native plant propagation intersect to support Louisiana’s future.

Meanwhile, Mark Shirley offers a compelling look at Louisiana’s global leadership in alligator conservation — a story of ecological balance, economic value, and long‑term stewardship.

Midday: Pollinators, Fireflies & Prehistoric Louisiana

Larry Allain (Our 2026 Caroline Dormon Award Winner) and Kimberly Hamm lead a practical workshop on native pollinators, offering strategies for supporting these essential species through habitat restoration and thoughtful planting.

In the tabling area, Bri Carpenter introduces a new LSU AgCenter initiative focused on restoring native firefly habitat — a timely effort as populations decline across the Southeast.

Chris Kingwill then transports participants into deep time with Prehistoric Louisiana, a vivid exploration of ancient landscapes and the wildlife that once shaped them.

Saturday Afternoon: Prairie Ecology, Art‑Science Fusion & Creative Expression

At Atelier de la Nature, naturalists explore a restored prairie, learning about land management and long‑term restoration strategies before venturing into a sculpture forest that blends art and ecology.

Artist‑biologist Dr. Brandon Ballengée leads Masters of Adaptation, an art‑science workshop on Gulf fish diversity and specimen drawing, celebrating the extraordinary evolutionary success of fishes.

Back at the conference center, Roots and Quills invites participants to use nature as a catalyst for writing and creative expression — a session designed to spark ideas that can be carried into future community programs.

Nearby, artist Susan David demonstrates the traditional Japanese technique of Gyotaku fish printing, giving participants a hands‑on opportunity to create their own prints.

Late Afternoon: Insects & Art as Conservation Storytelling

Steve Barney’s Insect Talk and Display offers an up‑close look at Louisiana’s arthropods, highlighting their ecological roles and surprising diversity.

The day concludes with a wine‑and‑cheese reception for Drawn to Nature, an exhibition celebrating both historic naturalist‑artists and contemporary LMN creators. It’s a beautiful reminder of how art and science together deepen our understanding of biodiversity.

The evening dinner will celebrate our Dormon Award Winner and we’ll enjoy this outstanding Louisiana Naturalist’s Keynote speech!

Certification, Workshop Adventures

Mammals of Louisiana Workshop

Louisiana Black bear sow with back to tree cradling her cub — Louisiana Black bear sow with her cub at Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, C.Paxton image and copyright.

Join us for a full day of discovery as the Louisiana Master Naturalists – Northeast dive into the biology, diversity, and conservation of our state’s mammals under the expert tutelage of ULM’s Dr. Ana Couvillon. This workshop blends classroom learning with hands‑on field experience at one of northeast Louisiana’s richest wildlife areas. This Workshop can count towards your certification as a Louisiana Master Naturalist!

Saturday, March 28, 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: ULM & Russell Sage WMA

Classroom Tuition

9:00 a.m.: We’ll convene in the Natural History Museum STEAM Room, Hanna Hall 1^st Floor, ULM Campus

Classroom topics:

Mammalian origin story & what makes a mammal a mammal
Diversity & life histories of mammals
Mammal management & conservation; mammals of Louisiana
Research into mammal biology & ecology
Examining specimens (pelts, dentition, etc.)

11:30 a.m.: Break to travel and eat along the way (make your own arrangements).

Afternoon: Field Work at Russell Sage WMA (12:30–2:45 p.m.)

Reconvene at Russell Sage WMA, where Dr. Ana and graduate students will guide us through:

Camera trap demonstrations
Small mammal survey techniques
Data collection and species identification in the field

We’ll wrap up with announcements around 2:45 p.m. wherever the fieldwork concludes.

Special notes: All adults must have a LWF Permit.

🌿 Headed to Russell Sage WMA for our forthcoming Mammals workshop field trip?
Here’s a quick reminder for all participants — EVERY adult needs a WMA Access Permit, no matter your reason for visiting. They are great value because the Russell Sage is an amazing wildlife area.

Getting your permit online is easy:
👉 Visit **LouisianaOutdoors.com**
👉 Select **Buy Licenses**
👉 Choose **WMA Access Permit** (Annual $20 or 5‑Day $5)
or you can purchase one from an authorized vendor.
Save a screenshot or print a copy before you arrive — cell service can be spotty inside the WMA.

Minors (under 18):
No permit needed—they’re exempt!
Bring your permit (digital or printed) when visiting the WMA!

Thanks for helping us model responsible stewardship and support LDWF’s conservation work. See you in the field! 🌱🦉

Bring the usual field gear: notebook, pencil, camera, ruler. (I learned the importance of rulers at our first mammals workshop and now carry several small ones in my camera bag.) Binoculars also good, if you have them.

Dress for outdoors. Bring bug spray and your own water and snacks as needed. Right now, the long-term forecast is for a pleasant day, with temps in the high 60s, low 70s, and no precipitation. We’ll check that again closer to the date.

We are going onto a State Wildlife Management Area. “Either a WMA Access Annual or 5-day Permit is required for all users of LDWF administered lands, including wildlife management areas, refuges and wetlands conservation areas (LDWF website).”

If you want to pay for the workshop on site, please notify Bette Kauffman or Charles Paxton that you are coming in advance. Also, please arrive 15 minutes early so we can conduct the business first and then focus on the expert tuition.

Workshop Adventures

Birds, Birds, Birds

What a great day! Dr. Terri Maness walked us through 23 orders of birds that occur in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, then some ways of identifying birds.

*While my group was standing on the boardwalk out on the lake, a flock of maybe 20 American White Pelicans (*Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) glided onto the water. *This was my biggest surprise. I have seen White Pelicans before but never at BBLNWR.*

She also showed us 3millionbirds.org’s video about the huge decline of birds since the 1970s, which identifies several sad and shocking truths about why it’s happening, from loss of habitat to cats, both pets and feral, that roam freely outside.

*This little Golden-crowned Kinglet* (Regulus satrapa) *appears to be scowling at me. I think it is just the bandit mask it wears that makes it look that way!*

Then we added some layers against a somewhat cold but sunny day and went out to count birds. Terri gave us a scoring system: 5 points for an order, 2 points for a family and one point for a species. Two teams then walked off in opposite directions from the Conservation Learning Center at Black Bayou Lake NWR.

At the end of the afternoon, one team had accumulated more points than the other, but… it was a totally friendly competition and it really didn’t matter. We all learned and had a great time!

*While we were standing in front of the Conservation Learning Center tallying our scores, this Red-shouldered Hawk* (Buteo lineatus) soared in and perched at the top of a tree nearby. My group had heard a Red-tailed during the count, but this was the first look we got.

Workshop Adventures

The Little Things

That’s what Dr. Anna Hill subtitles her “Aquatic Life” workshop, and getting to see “the little things” is always fun and informative. It’s kind of hard to believe how much is going on in water until you take a closer look.

Among my favorites are the damselfly and dragonfly naiads. At our workshop two weeks ago, we captured one of each. I was able to get this reasonably good photo in part because LMN-NE made a good investment in a fiber optic lamp to use with one of the simple microscopes at Black Bayou Lake NWR.

This little critter is maybe an inch long. Those three blades at the end of its abdomen are gills for its watery life only. They will be shed when the naiad crawls out of the water and onto a cypress knee or plant, where the exoskeleton will split down the back and an adult damselfly with wet, crumpled wings will emerge and sit to dry before flying off. Out at BBL you will see cypress knees sticking out of the water with several damselfly exoskeletons still stuck to them.

Water Scavenger Beetle
(Tropisternus collaris ssp. striolatus)

Our nets yielded a multitude of grass shrimp and water beetles, plus a few water mites, isopods, and other critters. Again with the help of the fiber optic light, I was able to get good enough photos of two of the beetles for them to be conclusively identified at species level on iNaturalist. Too cool! BTW, these full-macro photos are deceiving. These guys are tiny: black dots swimming around in your collecting bucket.

One specimen I pulled out of the water was spared the trip into the Environmental Learning Center for fear it would not survive. It was a large tadpole with fully developed hind legs but not yet front legs. We oo’d and ahh’d and put him right back in the lake. A tiny crawfish survived the trip indoors, but within seconds of being put in the fish tank, he became a large-mouth bass snack.

A good and educational time was had by all. Next up: Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology with Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjeeee, May 13, 9-3, at Kiroli and Restorations Parks in West Monroe. Stay tuned for details.