Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative

We locate native species of the Louisiana iris that are threatened with destruction, typically from development.  We organize volunteer rescue events to relocate the irises after receiving the landowner's permission to remove them.

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We then organize volunteer events to plant the irises within the protected habitats of area refuges or nature preserves after we acquire the necessary permits.

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In addition, we have an I. nelsonii iris species propagation program where we grow these irises from seeds to use in the restoration of their native habitat in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.

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We also strive to increase the public's awareness of this special Louisiana native plant by promoting, through marketing, the locations of irises while they are in bloom within public areas of south Louisiana.

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" If we are to save our native wildlands for posterity, we must first get the attention and appreciation of the general public.  There is a wealth of beauty now, and potentially even more in the future, in the wetlands, prairies and forest that are the habitats of our native Louisiana irises.  The younger generations might not have as much free time to garden as we did at that age, but they have a sensitivity to the environment and a concern about protecting our coast and wetlands that make them natural allies for our preservation and restoration efforts."  From an article in the summer 2020 issue of the Society for Louisiana Irises' (SLI) Fleur du Lis journal, authored by Charles Perilloux, a member of the SLI board of directors and a leader in the Louisiana Iris Species Preservation Project.