The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries (LDWF), with help and guidance of many of
the same SLI "partners in crime" (Benny, Jeff,
Rusty/Bud and Patrick, Buddy, etc.) has started an
effort to preserve, and educate the public
about, the rarest of Louisiana Iris, I. nelsonii.
With only approximately 1200 acres left of wild
habitat, this only indiginous plant to Louisiana is
obviosuly in need of protection if it is to
survive in its native state. Towards this goal, the
LDWF has worked with the State Legislature
to secured $75K to work with landowners on
conserving and enhancing the remaining habitat
Southeast of Abbeville, possible expansion of range,
and to education of the public about this the plant
and the need to preserve it's habitat. preserving
the conditions that conserve
the "Abbeville Red" will ensure the well being of
all the other native plants and animals that depend
on this unique and beautiful swamp. Much of this
money will go to supporting local land owners to
conserve the "natural" hydrology. The LDWF
Secretary, Robert Barham, has stepped up
tremendously, and has already secured a Cooperative
Endevour Agreement with Louisiana State Parks to
have an educational area in the brand-new Palmetto
State Park located a few miles from the Iris
nelsonii "mother-land". While many landowners have
embraced the new conservation efforts, we have yet
to find any will to allow public access to their
property for a board walk or nature trail. The State
Park will offer a near identical and safe
alternative within a stones throw away.
We are still in the fact-finding and learning
stages of this effort, so please feel free to offer
advice and suggestions!
Jeff Weeks, Buddy and I have spoken about some
initiatives that some of you may want to be involved
in, such as growing our collected or donated
nelsonii seed for replanting into the swamps and
display gardens. Hopefully we will have someone from
LDWF give a presentation @ the upcoming SLI
convention, and have an article for the magazine
soon. We have already secured a few donated plants
(and promises), and hope to engage the society in
growing out collected seeds for replanting in the
wild and in display areas? We are actively seeking
old habitat maps from the collecting days and copies
of pertinent article. Thanks to everyone who has
helped bring it this far to date! Hope your beds are
well mulched. Sorry for the long email. Mark
