Prairie Graze Along
Sat, Aug 16
|UL Ecology Center
This is a self-guided, laid back, all day tour of four diverse prairie stops from Lafayette to Grand Coteau, Arnaudville, and Sunset.
Time & Location
Aug 16, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
UL Ecology Center, 703 Thoroughbred Dr, Lafayette, LA 70507, USA
About the Event
Enjoy this graze along at your own pace, in your own car, with your own folks. Each stop will be open for an hour and a half window. Keep an eye on the agenda, but take your time at your favorite stops, leave early at less applicable ones, and enjoy the laid back day! Don’t forget to share your business card, shake hands, and make new friends with other prairie, grazing, and native plant enthusiasts.
Ticket price includes drinks and finger foods at each stop, as well as lunch.
Agenda
(tentative agenda; subject to change)
8:30 Gathering and check-in at the UL Ecology Center
9:00 Welcome assembly
9:30-11:30 Walk throughs & service project with the Ecology Center’s seed project
11:00-12:30 Larry Allain’s open prairie
12:00-1:30 Myran’s Maison de Manger for lunch, networking, & movie showing (and AC!)
1:00-2:30 Louisiana Native Seed Co. for walk through and shopping
2:00-4:00 Stuart Gardner’s and Brandon Waltman’s places, showcasing grazing on prairies
4:30 Optional gathering on your own at Prejean’s
About each stop:
University of Louisiana Lafayette Ecology Center
At the Ecology Center, we’ll learn about a variety of native prairie plant species they are growing on a commercial, in-ground plot, including lots of beautiful flower varieties, Eastern Gamagrass, and more.
Larry Allain's open prairie
Explore and learn about the Allain Farm’s four succession-planted prairies planted in 2013, 2019, 2022, and 2024. See tall Eastern Gamagrass, flowers, and visit with Larry about plant ID and pros and cons of each of his prairie plantings.
"Louisiana Grass Roots" Documentary
Join us at Myran’s Maison de Manger (private room reserved for out group). Visit with others about what you’ve learned so far. We will also be showing the "Louisiana Grass Roots" documentary. This documentary is about the imperiled Cajun Prairie ecosystem in Southwest Louisiana, showcasing its ecological significance and the efforts to preserve it. The film highlights the prairie as more than just a backdrop, emphasizing its intricate connection to the local community and culture.
Louisiana Native Seed Co,
Drive down the long windy gravel driveway just at the border of Grand Coteau to discover a hidden beauty – Louisiana Native Seed plant nursery. Explore the recently planted small prairie plot and compare different varieties of flowers, forages, and even some unique varieties. Shop for plants that are guaranteed to be sourced from Louisiana prairie remnants. Steve, featured heavily in the “Louisiana Grass Roots” 2024 film, is a wealth of information about prairie remnants and uses of prairie plants.
Stuart Gardner's grazing prairie
Stuart Gardner planted Eastern Gamagrass over 20 years ago in his back pasture, and uses the space to graze his herd of 40 cattle and 6 horses every 20-35 days. Ride the trailer or walk to the back to see grazing natives in action. Also enjoy seeing his large flock of over 100 sheep grazing the front pastures.
Brandon Waltman's newly planted prairie
Visit with Brandon Waltman and his newly planted 2024 prairie front yard. Brandon’s acreage is from a different seed mix than Stuart’s, and you’ll find other species there. Discuss the plans that Stuart and Brandon have for a partnership to incorporate animal grazing into the plot.