State

Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

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Taking care of our feathered friends

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, September 29, 2023
Gardeners are stewards of all things natural. When we garden and use environmentally friendly practices, we promote biodiversity, conserve resources and minimize harm to the Earth. We also can provide ecosystem services in our gardens. You may have read this term in my columns before.
Will Green

Will Green

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LABI names new leader

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
After a months-long nationwide search, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) announced that Will Green has been named LABI President and CEO.
A baby feral pig at the at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton. Feral hogs cause more than $90 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture annually. (Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter)

A baby feral pig at the at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton. Feral hogs cause more than $90 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture annually. (Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter)

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Center will aid in mitigating damage of invasive species

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Louisiana is home to some of the most destructive invasive species found in the United States. The LSU AgCenter has long worked to monitor and manage these non-native insects, weeds and wildlife.
Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Combat extreme temperatures with mulch

(not verified)
Friday, September 15, 2023
This summer’s extended period of extreme heat and drought has wreaked havoc on all plants great and small. One gardening practice that can make a considerable difference in combating extreme temperatures is mulching. Mulch can provide several benefits to plants.
Aviators with the Louisiana National Guard and Alabama National Guard respond to wildfires in Vernon Parish on Aug. 31. Aviators use a bambi bucket to retrieve water and splash nearly 600 gallons of water at a time on the fires. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis)

Aviators with the Louisiana National Guard and Alabama National Guard respond to wildfires in Vernon Parish on Aug. 31. Aviators use a bambi bucket to retrieve water and splash nearly 600 gallons of water at a time on the fires. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis)

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Multiple states help Louisiana National Guard fight wildfires

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
As the Louisiana National Guard assisted the State in fighting wildfires, more than 40 Guard men and women from other states stepped up to help LANG protect what matters.
Burned pine trees tower above foresters Paul Stone, left, of Crosby Resource Management, and Robbie Hutchins, of the LSU AgCenter, as they survey damage from recent wildfires near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Burned pine trees tower above foresters Paul Stone, left, of Crosby Resource Management, and Robbie Hutchins, of the LSU AgCenter, as they survey damage from recent wildfires near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

‘It is really tragic’: Wildfires wipe out income for Louisiana forest landowners

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
In west-central Louisiana, where wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of drought-stricken forests in recent weeks, more has been lost than just trees.
Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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Cinnamon Girl distylium selected as Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2023

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, September 8, 2023
The LSU AgCenter is pleased to announce its 2023 fall Louisiana Super Plant selection: Cinnamon Girl distylium (Distylium ‘PIIDIST-V’). Distylium hybrids are relatively new to the plant nursery trade, making their debut in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water-bucket missions assisting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish, on Aug. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water-bucket missions assisting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish, on Aug. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

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Louisiana, like other Southern states, relies on outside airborne help to fight wildfires

(not verified)
Friday, September 8, 2023
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said last week he will ask the legislature for money to buy more firefighting equipment, including a tanker airplane that can drop water on blazes from above.
An image of a wildfire in Beauregard Parish from drone video taken Saturday. (Louisiana State Police)

An image of a wildfire in Beauregard Parish from drone video taken Saturday. (Louisiana State Police)

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Poor air quality from Louisiana wildfires could become more common

(not verified)
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jeff Parker stayed inside his St. Roch home as much as possible the last week of August, as people all around New Orleans reported smelling smoke in the air.

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DOTD asking for comments about EV charging stations

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) is preparing to administer the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging station infrastructure throughout the state, made possible through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law by President...