November Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Create Overwintering Habitat for Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects play a critical role in healthy ecosystems, yet many species struggle to survive the winter when their natural habitats are scarce or disturbed. In this presentation, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador and naturalist Teri Gegenheimer will share simple, beautiful, and practical ways to support these insects through the colder months. Attendees will learn how to create overwintering spaces that blend seamlessly into home landscapes while providing essential shelter for pollinators, predators of garden pests, and other helpful invertebrates. Teri will highlight easy projects, materials to use, and the ecological value of even small habitat enhancements.
Speaker: Teri Gegenheimer, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador
About the Speaker:
Teri Gegenheimer’s love for nature began in early childhood on a large farm in Ohio where she spent her days exploring woods and creek beds, picking wildflowers, and studying the insects, leaves, and mosses that covered the forest floor. These outdoor experiences shaped her lifelong passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Her recent conservation work includes serving as a Volunteer Interpretive Guide at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Barataria from 2000 to 2005, becoming a Louisiana Certified Master Naturalist in 2018, and helping establish the Wild Ones Ponchartrain Basin chapter where she serves as a founding board member. Since 2023 she has been a Volunteer Ambassador for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation where she promotes habitat creation, native plants, and insect conservation through education and community outreach.
Event Details: November 2, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
Reflections in the Garden is a monthly "lunch and learn" series presented by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. The lectures are generally held on the first Monday of the month at noon at the Botanic Gardens.
Reflections in the Garden is live-streamed to members of the Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens through Microsoft Teams. In-person attendance is open to both members and nonmembers with registration.
Become a member now to get your discounted tickets!
✨ Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season at Poinsettias & Prosecco ✨
Be among the first to experience the breathtaking Louisiana Lights at our exclusive 21+ preview party, hosted by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Event Venue: Windrush Gardens, enter through Rural Life Museum
Step into a winter wonderland as the Windrush Gardens sparkle with dazzling lights. Savor delicious small bites and expertly paired drinks from Baton Rouge’s favorite local restaurants. Enjoy live music and indulge in decadent desserts as you toast to the holiday season.
Tickets: $100 per person Friends of the Gardens Members: 20% off up to 4 tickets
All proceeds help support the maintenance, care, and growth of 440 acres that comprise the beautiful LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Thank you to our 2026 Restuarants
December Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Windrush Gardens by Day, Louisiana Lights by Night
This presentation explores the year‑round care, preservation, and creative transformation of one of Baton Rouge’s most cherished landscapes. Windrush Gardens by Day, Louisiana Lights by Night offers an inside look at the meticulous maintenance required to uphold the historic integrity of Windrush Gardens, as well as the planning and innovation behind the annual Louisiana Lights event.
Attendees will gain insight into the horticultural practices that protect Steele Burden’s original design, the challenges of maintaining a formal garden in a modern context, and the collaborative effort involved in turning the grounds into an immersive nighttime experience. From daytime stewardship to nighttime spectacle, this talk highlights the balance between honoring tradition and embracing new opportunities to engage the community.
Speaker: Connor Cavalier, Research Associate Specialist, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Connor Cavalier serves as the Operations Assistant to the Director of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, where he plays a central role in the planning and execution of Louisiana Lights. His leadership and attention to detail have been instrumental in bringing both the inaugural and annual light shows to life, helping shape the event into a signature experience for the community.
Before stepping into this role, Connor contributed to the Jackson and Perkins rose research project, specializing in rose maintenance and propagation. This work strengthened his horticultural expertise and deepened his understanding of plant care at a research level.
Today, Connor also supports the stewardship of Windrush Gardens, the historic formal garden that serves as the backdrop for the Louisiana Lights experience. His background in landscape maintenance provides a strong foundation for preserving the integrity and character of this cherished space. Connor is committed to honoring Steele Burden’s original planting plans, ensuring that the garden’s historical design continues to thrive for future generations.
Event Details: December 7, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens is a 501(c)5 non-profit organization. 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
