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. Discover Nature programs are free for Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above.
Medicinal Mycology: Part II
Featuring Jordan Gros
Tuesday, September 9 | 6:30-8:00pm
Curious about how to bring the benefits of medicinal mushrooms into your everyday life? In this follow-up session, Biological Engineer and Mycocentrics founder Jordan Gros will guide us through practical, accessible ways to “access the medicine in mushrooms” at home. From simple cultivation techniques to crafting your own tinctures, you'll leave with hands-on knowledge to support your health naturally. Whether or not you attended Part I, you’re welcome to join this deep dive into the healing power of fungi. Jordan will share lessons from years of personal experience using mushrooms to improve wellness—for herself and others.
The Daily Lives of Louisiana Hummingbirds - and the Gardens that Attract Them
Featuring Dennis Demcheck
Tuesday, September 23 | 6:30-8:00pm
Get an up-close look at the fast-paced and fascinating lives of Louisiana’s hummingbirds—especially the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, our most common local species. Master Naturalist and photographer Dennis Demcheck will share insights into their daily behaviors, including feeding, courtship, nesting, and their remarkable long-distance migrations. This highly visual talk will also highlight the native plants that provide food, shelter, and year-round appeal to hummingbirds, so you can create a garden that truly supports these dazzling pollinators.
Bats & Brews: An Evening of Conservation, Craft Beer & Creatures of the Night
Tuesday, October 28 | 6:00-8:00pm
We invite the community to celebrate Bat Week with a one-of-a-kind evening event,
Bats & Brews, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Guests will enjoy craft beer while learning
about Louisiana’s most fascinating nocturnal neighbors.
Leading the night is Katherine Gividen, Louisiana Master Naturalist and former bat technician with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She’ll uncover the secret lives of bats—from their incredible adaptations like echolocation and powered flight, to the twelve species that call Louisiana home, to the serious threats they face from habitat loss and white-nose syndrome.
Adding a practical twist, Aaron Ashbrook from the LSU AgCenter will guide participants through the process of building and installing bat houses—giving attendees the tools to create safe roosting spaces in their own backyards.
To round out the experience, Rally Cap Brewery will offer tastings of their locally crafted beers, raising a glass to these unsung heroes of the night sky.
Bats & Brews is equal parts science, stewardship, and social gathering—a chance to discover why bats matter, how to protect them, and to celebrate their place in Louisiana’s ecosystems.
Come curious. Leave inspired. And maybe a little batty!
Tickets:
$15 – Students, Friends of Hilltop, and Louisiana Master Naturalist Members
$20 – General Public
“Pressed & Preserved: A Two-Part Flower Pressing Workshop”
Featuring Connie McLeod
Sunday, October 26 and November 16 | 2-4pm
Join us for a hands-on, two-part workshop celebrating the art of flower pressing!
In Part One, we'’ll forage the Hilltop Meadow for seasonal blooms and foliage and learn how to assemble a flower press to preserve your gathered finds. Connie will inspire us with a presentation on the process behind her botanical art creations, some of which will be available for purchase.
Note: Part One must have dry weather. If rain is predicted, date may be rescheduled.
In Part Two, we’ll reunite to transform our pressed flowers and foliage into beautiful botanical works of art. Hands-on demonstrations and materials will be provided, no experience necessary. Attendees will walk away with two framed pieces- perfect for displaying or gifting!
Cost: Hilltop, LMNGBR members and students $60, Non-members $75
Program is limited to 15 participants
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
Medicinal Mycology: Part II
Tuesday, September 9 | 6:30-8:00pm
Medicinal Mycology Registration
The Daily Lives of Louisiana Hummingbirds - and the Gardens that Attract Them
September 23 | 6:30-8:00pm
Daily Lives of Hummingbirds Registration
Bats & Brews: An Evening of Conservation, Craft Beer & Creatures of the Night
Tuesday, October 28 | 6-8pm
Hilltop, LMNGBR members, and students $15, General Public $20
Pressed & Preserved is 2 sessions
Sunday, Oct. 26 & Nov. 16 | 2-4pm
Hilltop, LMNGBR members, and students $60, non-members $75
PRESSED & PRESERVED Registration
Questions? Contact Hilltop by email info@friendsofhilltop.org or call 225-767-6916.