Background

The Charles Allen Nature Preserve is an 80-acre outdoor classroom located in the rolling Ouachita Hills Region near Columbia, Louisiana, about 30 miles from ULM.

The property was donated to ULM in 2000 by Dr. Harry Winters, in honor of Dr. Charles Allen, a former ULM professor and renowned botanist in Louisiana. Dr. Winters and Dr. Allen have co-authored several books on Louisiana and Gulf South plant species, and the Charles Allen Nature Preserve serves as one of their greatest contributions to conservation.

Efforts are currently underway to improve accessibility for students and researchers. The goal is to transform this biological station into a premier research site for scientists across Louisiana and beyond.

2016 ULM BioBlitz

On October 29, 2016, ULM biology students and faculty organized the ULM BioBlitz, an event to showcase the Charles Allen Nature Preserve. This student-led event featured guided hikes across the rolling Ouachita Hills, allowing participants to identify as many species as possible—including birds, plants, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and butterflies.

Goals of the BioBlitz

• 📌 Discover, learn about, and document the biological diversity of the Charles Allen Nature Preserve.
• 📌 Educate students and faculty on natural history and biodiversity.
• 📌 Engage both science and non-science majors in hands-on outdoor experiences.
• 📌 Strengthen the connection between faculty and students through experiential learning.
• 📌 Promote conservation awareness and research on Louisiana’s biodiversity.

Event Schedule

Registration

Interested in participating? Click the link below to register for the 2016 BioBlitz:

📝 Register Here