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.
For Hilltop, LMNGBR members, and students registration is $10, $15 for non-members. Discover Nature programs are free for Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above.
Garden Allies
Featuring: Frank Rinkevich
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 6:30-8pm
Insects are among the most underappreciated but most critical components of a healthy
ecosystem which provide many benefits to natural systems and greatly influence our
culture and society. In this talk, we will discuss the many contributions insects
have had on our human condition through natural selection, mythologies, and creating
practical and valuable items for mankind. We will see how insects make the world go
through nutrient recycling and ecosystem services as well as their contributions to
the food chain for some of our most favorite creatures. The talk will conclude about
current issues in the insect world and what you can do to help reverse the course
on the demise of nature’s most important animals.
Dr. Rinkevich is a Research Entomologist at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Laboratory with training in toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. A major focus of his research is on breeding for bees with Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) and understanding how genetics, geography, and environment affect the expression of VSH. Other research interests include the prevalence of amitraz resistance in Varroa, factors that affect amitraz toxicity, and development of effective miticide applications for amitraz resistant Varroa, and the effects of fungicides on honey bee colony performance and physiology.
Louisiana Snake ID
Featuring: The Hood Family
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30-8pm
Slither on over and learn about snakes in this educational and interactive event.
In this all-ages, hands-on show, the Hood family with Louisiana Snake ID will discuss
misconceptions about snakes, explain why they benefit our environment, share some
cool facts, and present some common species native to our state. They will also provide
information about how to identify venomous snakes. At the end of the show, audience
members will be welcomed to form a line to pet, hold, and take photos with a few of
the snakes presented.
Kevin Hood, his wife, Rachel, and their two sons run Louisiana Snake ID, which started as the family providing snake identification to friends on Facebook and has grown to have a social media following of over 50,000 people. The family travels the state for educational shows and has been featured on Bayou Wild TV, WWL, LPB/PBS, in articles for The Advocate, Louisiana Sportsmen Magazine and more. For more information visit louisianasnakeid.com and http://snakelifefoundation.com.
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
Hilltop, LMNGBR members and students $10
Non-members $15
Free for Hilltop Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above.
Garden Allies
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
6:30-8:00pm
Registration for Garden Allies
Louisiana Snake ID
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
6:30-8:00pm
Questions? Contact Hilltop by email info@friendsofhilltop.org or call 225-767-6916.