McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has committed to a seed increase project on two sites:  a 25' "rod row" area on University land behind the MSU Wetland Station, and a seven-acre site owned by the Coastal Plain Conservancy.  The CPC works with McNeese on a seed increase program and other entrepreneurial conservation projects.  Other partners in the project are The Lacassane Company, Inc., Arrozal, LLC, the United States Geological Survey, and the National Resources Conservation Service.   

    The McNeese rod row site was planted with Cluster Bush Mint (Hyptis alata), Wooly Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos var. Lasiocarpus), Rattlesnake-Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), and Black Wand Root (Pterocaulon virgatum).  These plants were grown at the NRCS Golden Meadow Plant Material Center from seed provided by Larry Allain (pictured at right).  This seed increase initiative is needed for large-scale restorations.

 Below are other plant varieties being planted by the team during the rod row planting in April 2003.