Heart of Louisiana Highlights Abbeville Iris and Restoration Efforts

April 25, 2025 New Orleans, La.

Dave McNamara’s weekly Heart of Louisiana TV segment showcases stories from around the state, highlighting the people and places that make Louisiana unique. A veteran reporter with more than 30 years of experience, McNamara is now an independent journalist with his own website, producing short video feature stories about the Bayou State’s distinctive culture and communities. His weekly segments are broadcast statewide on WVUE New Orleans, WAFB Baton Rouge, KPLC Lake Charles, KSLA Shreveport, KNOE Monroe, and KALB Alexandria.

Dave Mcnamara filming in the Abbeville Swamp earlier this month.

Recently, McNamara traveled to Vermilion Parish in search of a story about the rare Iris nelsonii, known locally as the Abbeville Red iris. During his visit, he discovered the iris restoration project at Palmetto Island State Park and learned about the work of the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative (LICI), which is investigating why these irises are disappearing from their only native habitat in the world.

His feature aired this week and can be viewed by clicking [HERE].