McNeese Biology Department Plants a Cajun Prairie 

Last spring, the McNeese State University Biology Department began exploring the idea of establishing a native Cajun prairie somewhere on campus. Firestone Polymers offered to collaborate on the project. 

Cajun prairie is part of the Western Gulf Coast Prairie ecosystem which historically spanned the entire shoreline in Louisiana and Texas. Less than 1% of this ecosystem currently remains and exists in small, isolated patches throughout the region. 

Working with McNeese facilities management, the biology department identified a half-acre plot near the practice football field that was not being utilized.  

The process started by removing all the existing vegetation and digging a small pond. In December faculty, students, staff and Firestone employees spread several pounds of native grass and forb seeds and then they planted some native seedlings.  

The goals of this project are to aid in the restoration of this critically endangered habitat, involve students in the process of prairie restoration and use this site as an outside classroom for future students. 

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