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. Advance registration is encouraged.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Louisiana’s Amphibians and Reptiles
Featuring Brad “Bones” Glorioso
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Join LSU Hilltop Arboretum for an engaging evening with U.S. Geological Survey herpetologist
Brad “Bones” Glorioso as he explores the fascinating and often overlooked world of
Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.
Drawing from years of field research, Glorioso will share insights into the ecology, behavior, and conservation of the many species that call Louisiana home, with a special focus on the state’s remarkable turtle diversity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these species face and the science guiding efforts to protect them.
Glorioso will also discuss the Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts (L.A.R.E.), a citizen science, education, and outreach initiative he founded in 2012 to promote appreciation for and conservation of Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.
This program is ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in the biodiversity of Louisiana’s landscapes.
About the Speaker
Brad “Bones” Glorioso is a herpetologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based at the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. His work focuses on the ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, including long-term monitoring of amphibian populations across the southern United States. He holds degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University and Middle Tennessee State University and is widely known for his research on Louisiana’s native turtle species. He is also the founder of Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts (L.A.R.E.), a citizen science and outreach initiative connecting the public with conservation efforts.
Louisiana Healing Garden: Medicinal Plants for a Sustainable Future
Featuring Herbalist Corinne Martin
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Hilltop welcomes herbalist, educator, and author Corinne Martin for a presentation
on her newest book, Louisiana Healing Garden: Medicinal Plants for a Sustainable Future.
In this follow-up to her acclaimed Louisiana Herb Journal, Martin continues her exploration of Louisiana’s plants and their remarkable capacity to provide healing in a time of unprecedented environmental and social change. Part herb book, part garden guide, and part celebration of Louisiana’s rich ecological communities, Louisiana Healing Garden introduces readers to fifty medicinal plants and their roles in supporting both personal wellness and environmental stewardship.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience working with medicinal plants, Martin highlights the healing properties of familiar species such as crape myrtle, gardenia, and sweet olive while encouraging readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with the landscapes they call home. The book explores how thoughtful use and cultivation of medicinal plants can support biodiversity, reduce reliance on chemical controls, and contribute to healthier communities and ecosystems.
As Louisiana faces increasing environmental challenges, Martin offers a hopeful perspective rooted in observation, stewardship, and connection to place. Through personal stories and practical guidance, she invites readers to discover how medicinal plants can support both personal wellness and healthier landscapes.
About the Speaker
Corinne Martin is a certified clinical herbalist, amateur naturalist, and author of four books. For more than four decades, she has studied and worked with medicinal plants, sharing her knowledge through writing, teaching, and community education. She is retired from teaching Holistic and Integrative Health in the nursing program at the University of Southern Maine. Martin's work is rooted in a deep love for nature and a commitment to the health of Louisiana's unique and vulnerable landscapes.
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
Hidden in Plain Sight: Louisiana’s Amphibians and Reptiles
June 23, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Registration
Louisiana Healing Garden: Medicinal Plants for a Sustainable Future
July 28, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Registration
Questions? Contact Hilltop by email info@friendsofhilltop.org or call 225-767-6916.