You may have seen the billboards around town asking that you "Bag the Ball Moss!" and wondered: What the heck is ball moss?
Quite simply, it's moss that grows in a roundish, ball shape. 
The problem: There's just too much of it.
The proliferation of ball moss is hurting mature oaks and is making them more susceptible to diseases and insects, according to Chris Cooper, a Baton Rouge Green program specialist and coordinator of urban and community forestry.
Read the full article by Louisiana Master Naturalist Colette Dean in the Advocate...

Moths are those “mysterious butterflies" that fly around at night, fluttering at our porch lights or around our windowsills.
Midsummer is a great time for spotting these beauties in the northern hemisphere, so much so that it's "National Moth Week," which runs through July 25. 
​This is the 10th year of the annual celebration, and “moth-ers” of all ages are encouraged to learn and observe these creatures in their backyards, parks and neighborhoods.
​Read the full article by Louisiana Master Naturalist Colette Dean in the Advocate...

The "litter warriors" who have taken it upon themselves to clean up the city are living examples of anthropologist Margaret Mead's wise words: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
These volunteers devote countless hours each week to rallying others to the cause and picking up trash, whether it's walking through neighborhoods, along the interstate and commercial areas or paddling through bayous and creeks.
​We've turned the spotlight on a few of those willing to fight the litter fight: real estate agent Jennifer Richardson, retired nuclear sales specialist Parry “Matt” Thomas, photographer Marie Constantin, computer programmer Nathaniel Klumb and attorney Johanna Landreneau.
Read the full article by Louisiana Master Naturalist Colette Dean in the Advocate...

Baton Rouge is a world-class counter of all things found in nature.
In the recent City Nature Challenge competition, which took place across the globe from April 30 to May 3, residents were asked to show the wildlife in their area, including wild plants, animals, insects, mushrooms, fish, turtles and any other natural feature that could be photographed with a smartphone and sent to the iNaturalist app. 
More than 52,000 people across six continents and 44 countries documented 1.27 million wildlife observations for the sixth annual community science initiative. 
So, how’d Baton Rouge do?
​Read the full article by Louisiana Master Naturalist Colette Dean in the Advocate...

The live oak is a majestic symbol of strength, stability and steadfastness, and it’s hard to imagine Louisiana without them.
These tree are so special they have their own organization — The Live Oak Society.
To be clear, the trees are the members.
​Read the full article by Louisiana Master Naturalist Colette Dean in the Advocate...