The Cajun Prairie, a 2.5 million acre wilderness in 1600, was occupied by Native Americans and the native prairie plants and animals. By 1800, the tallgrass prairie in September obscured the view across the landscape making it extremely easy to get lost, and by December the mud was so deep that a wagon was quickly buried to the axle, but winter fires brought forth the most luxuriant growth of grasses and wild-flowers from early spring to late summer. ‘The most beautiful region in Louisiana,’ ‘the garden of Louisiana’ and ‘one of the most agreeable views in nature’ were descriptions of early travelers like C. C. Robin, William Darby and Col. Samuel Lockett. Today, this prairie is listed as ‘critically imperiled (S1)’ by the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program. Literally less than 100 acres remain in narrow strips and small pieces dotting the landscape. The natural history of this prairie is described for the first time as result of the work of a group of devoted prairie ecologists and enthusiasts. This is their story and a view of the future as restoration ecologists attempt to recreate the Cajun Prairie as a sustainable landscape, a remarkable biodiversity garden and a tribute to our natural heritage. 

 

Plates include a gallery of photos of the last remaining pieces of Cajun Prairie as they appeared in the 1980s and early 1990s. These photos of railroad rights-of-way collectively provide an opportunity to construct a series of mental images of the prairie in different locations and in different seasons. 

• Author: Malcom F. Vidrine
• ISBN: 978-0-615-36813-9
• 360 pages (includes color photos)
• Paperback
• 6x9
• First Printing 2010, Reprinted 2025