FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shirley Luna – April 26, 2004

The Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center recently received a check for $2,500 for a cooperative research project with the Cajun Prairie Association. The study compared seed germination and seedling growth of a range of herbaceous species collected from five prairie remnants in South Louisiana. Natural prairies are rare and declining because of urbanization and conversion to agroforestry, according to Dr. David Creech, co-director of the plant center. Creech said many southern states are attempting to understand and save prairie remnants. Pictured are, from left, Peter Loos, landscape designer and president of the Cajun Prairie Association, Dr. Charles Allen, a charter member and former president of the Louisiana Native Plant Society, and Lance Craig, SFA plant center research associate.

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