Natural History

Invasive Species Spotlight: Apple Snails

Invasive Species Spotlight: Apple Snails

Apple snails were never seen in Louisiana’s waterways until 2006 near Gretna. It’s believed that pet apple snails were released in a drainage basin around that time. Eventually, the fast-reproducing snails’ population expanded throughout our waterway system.

6 Arboretums to Visit in Southern Louisiana

6 Arboretums to Visit in Southern Louisiana

Arboretums are places dedicated to the preservation and admiration of different tree species. Of course, where there are trees, you can be sure to also find plenty of other plants, flowers, and the creatures that love them.

In Southern Louisiana, arboretums often stand out for their easy hiking, fantastic bird watching, and of course their unique southern species of trees. In this post, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite arboretums in the area that are worth a visit.

American Alligator -- Natural History Series

American Alligator -- Natural History Series

Alligators are visitors from another time, out of place in our modern, urban lives. Yet they exist. Observing an alligator seems like watching a statue. They lay still for hours moving only to breathe and blink, and then when spotting prey, suddenly lunge forward at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour. Of all the animals that can be seen throughout the Barataria Preserve, the species that attracts the most attention is the American alligator.