(Distributes 12/15/10) The LSU AgCenter recently received a $115,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation to facilitate efforts to make the northeast Louisiana parishes bordering the Mississippi River a premiere nature tourism destination based on unexploited natural resources.

(Distributed 12/14/10) The Mexican rice borer, a threat to sugarcane and rice, has moved eastward from Texas extending farther into Louisiana. The insect was first found in Louisiana in December 2008 north of Vinton.

(Distributed 12/14/10) FRANKLINTON, La. – Students from the Pine View Middle School Junior National Beta Club participated in a wetland restoration and activity day on Dec. 8 at Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton.

(Distributed 12/14/10) A Trees and Trails Fun Hike has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m to noon to celebrate Arbor Day at Burden Center. The event at the LSU AgCenter Burden Center in Baton Rouge will support and promote educational programs conducted by the LSU AgCenter, the Burden Horticulture Society and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, according to organizers.

(Distributed 12/14/10) An LSU AgCenter 4-H program has been chosen for a national award by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(Distributed 12/13/10) BILOXI, Miss. – The Kellogg Company of Battle Creek, Mich., recently announced a partnership with the LSU AgCenter to develop a sustainability program for Louisiana rice producers who grow rice that is earmarked for Kellogg’s products.

(Distributed 12/09/2010) The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar can be a great holiday gift for gardeners, aspiring gardeners or even those who just like beautiful photos of plants, flowers and garden scenes. The 2011 edition of the calendar is on sale now and provides a variety of helpful information tailored to Louisiana gardeners who want to have the latest tips for success.

(Distributed 12/09/10) Presentations on diversifying efforts needed to protect and maintain economic interests while sustaining forest productivity will be featured at the 2011 Ag Expo forestry forum presented by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/09/10) New Orleans – An almost-steady chill in the air doesn’t mean you have to let your landscape lose its beauty, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill, told a Lunch and Learn audience at New Orleans City Hall on Dec. 3.

(Distributed 12/08/10) A seminar for anyone who wants to learn more about gardening will be presented by the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners at the West Monroe Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 15, from 7:30 a.m. to noon.