Discover Nature Programs

Through a partnership with the Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR) we are proud to offer exciting new Discover Nature programs featuring local and national experts who are in touch with nature and are eager to share their experiences. All programs will be held in the Imo Brown Complex in the Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium at Hilltop Arboretum.

For Hilltop, LMNGBR members, and students registration is $10, $15 for non-members. Discover Nature programs are free for Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above. 

"Louisiana Snake ID"
Featuring: The Hood Family 
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30-8pm  

Slither on over and learn about snakes in this educational and interactive event. In this all-ages, hands-on show, the Hood family with Louisiana Snake ID will discuss misconceptions about snakes, explain why they benefit our environment, share some cool facts, and present some common species native to our state. They will also provide information about how to identify venomous snakes. At the end of the show, audience members will be welcomed to form a line to pet, hold, and take photos with a few of the snakes presented.

Kevin Hood, his wife, Rachel, and their two sons run Louisiana Snake ID, which started as the family providing snake identification to friends on Facebook and has grown to have a social media following of over 50,000 people. The family travels the state for educational shows and has been featured on Bayou Wild TV, WWL, LPB/PBS, in articles for The Advocate, Louisiana Sportsmen Magazine and more. For more information visit louisianasnakeid.com and http://snakelifefoundation.com. 

“Rooted in Beauty: Using Louisiana Native Plants in Cut Flower Arrangements” 
Featuring: Jen Blanchard
Tuesday, June 24, 6:30-8pm

Are you a flower farmer, gardener, or floral designer looking to grow stunning, sustainable blooms that thrive in Louisiana’s climate? Are you interested in learning how to harness the beauty and resilience of native plants to elevate your floral arrangements? 

Join us for an inspiring and informative talk with Jen Blanchard, expert botanist, and a passionate advocate for native species, who brings years of experience in Louisiana ecology and sustainable agriculture. Jennifer will highlight the best Louisiana native species for long vase life and visual appeal, offer guidance on how to grow and harvest them effectively, and explain their added ecological benefits—like supporting pollinators and improving soil health. Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your flower offerings, this event will provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Come discover how growing local can help your flowers—and your yard—flourish! 

Photo credit: Jen Blanchard

Jennifer Blanchard is a Botanist and Instructor of Horticulture in the School of Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences (SPESS) at LSU. She is also a PhD student with a research focus on the extraction of natural plant products for use in industry. Ms. Blanchard has earned both a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology (University of Southern Mississippi, 2006) and a Masters in Earth and Environmental Science (University of New Orleans, 2009). She began her professional botany work in 2004 while attending USM where she conducted vegetation surveys and wetland delineation for the geology department. While in graduate school she began working for Colorado State University under the very well-known Botanist: Dr. Charles Allen. After completing her master’s degree, she worked as a research botanist for The Pollinator Partnership of North America. With over two decades of experience in botanical research and environmental sciences studies she is enthusiastic about sharing information on the propagation and use of native plants in cut flower farming and in the garden or landscape and all the value-added benefits these plants provide to the environment.

“Pressed & Preserved: A Two-Part Flower Pressing Workshop” 
Featuring: Connie McLeod
Tuesday, July 29 and August 12, 6:30-8pm  

Join us for a hands-on, two-part workshop celebrating the art of flower pressing! In Part One, we’ll explore the vibrant Hilltop Meadow, foraging for seasonal blooms and foliage. You’ll learn how to assemble a simple flower press and begin preserving your gathered finds. In Part Two, we’ll reunite to transform your pressed flowers into a beautiful botanical print—perfect for framing or gifting. All materials provided, no experience necessary!

Connie McLeod is a Baton Rouge native and received her BA from LSU. She recently retired from a career as an Art Director. She has taken her love of design, and turned her small garden into her oasis, full of color and texture. She started pressing the garden flora and turning the flowers, petals, and leaves into art. She calls herself a botanical artist and can often be found in her friends’ gardens foraging their plants. She is a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist.

For more information about this event, please contact us at LSU Hilltop Arboretum at 225-767-6916, visit www.lsu.edu/hilltop, or email info@friendsofhilltop.org.

Program Details

Hilltop, LMNGBR members and students $10
Non-members $15

Free for children 8 and younger and Hilltop Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above.

Louisiana Snake ID
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
6:30-8:00pm

REGISTRATION FOR Louisiana SNAKE ID

Registration links for "Rooted in Beauty" and "Pressed and Preserved" coming soon.

Questions? Contact Hilltop by email info@friendsofhilltop.org or call 225-767-6916.