It all started with a text message from my aunt, asking my mom and I if we wanted to spend the weekend at Allen Acres for their annual Butterfly Blast.
Allen Acres? I had never heard of this place. A quick google search and I found out that Dr. Charles Allen is a BIG deal in the botany world.
We packed our bags Friday after work, hopped in the car, and made the 3-hour journey to Allen Acres, a quaint bed and breakfast situated on 26 acres right next door to Kisatchie National Forest and Ouiska Chitto Creek.
Upon our arrival to the B&B, we could see a group of people in the distance staring at a white sheet with a huge light bulb hanging above it. I thought to myself, “What on earth are these people doing? It’s 9pm, I would think everyone would be getting ready for bed.”
Boy, was I wrong. This is when the fun starts.
We hop out the car. Dr. Allen and his wife, Susan, tell us hello and to come and see what these folks are looking at.
Upon closer examination….Moths?!
Next thing we know, we are hiking in the dark to the next moth “station”. I asked another visitor, “How many moth stations are there?”. She replied, “15! It’s about a mile hike.”
…….(say what?)
We were NOT prepared to hike a mile in the dark with no knowledge of moths. I thought to myself, “Oh boy, what have we gotten ourselves into?”. My mom, aunt, and I only made it to moth station number 3 before a HUGE spider decided to land on the back of my leg, causing everyone to scream and point at me. Not knowing what was on me, I was screaming even louder. The city girl in me got scared and we decided to return to the bed and breakfast and call it a night.
The next morning was filled with learning about both native and non-native plants, flowers, and butterflies. We spent the morning following Dr. Allen on a walk around his gardens where he told us about all different kinds of flowers and which ones attract caterpillars, butterflies and moths.
I got to see a Maypop (passionflower) in person for the first time. Fun fact: Maypops attract the Gulf Fritillary butterfly caterpillar, which is the Louisiana state butterfly.
Dr. Allen has a motto, “Mow where you go. Grow where you don’t go.” This is reflected on Dr. Allen’s land. He has specifically curated different areas for people to visit, otherwise, he lets nature take over. There is a well-maintained hiking trail. There are areas with interesting art and native plants to look at. However, there are many sections of his land that are not “maintained” I guess you could say. Tall grass, dried up sunflowers, and native plants just growing as they please. I do believe there is value in letting nature grow and recycle itself. It attracts the beautiful pollinators and critters who need host plants and homes. It is wonderful for the ecosystem and frankly, less work for the gardener.
Dr. Allen was very inspiring and FULL of knowledge. He has dedicated his entire life’s work to studying plants, butterflies, and moths. It was fascinating to listen to him. Not only was he very intelligent, he was incredibly kind. His wife, Susan was a wonderful cook. She kept us fed for breakfast lunch, and dinner. (Thank you, Susan!) His daughter, Dawn carries on in her father’s footsteps and knows a ton about plants and trees and their uses. She took us on many hikes around the property, identifying trees and plants along the way.
After watching Dr. Allen’s presentation on moths, my mom and I got the courage to go on the moth hike that evening. This time, flashlight in hand and prepared for the mile hike ahead.
I’m so happy we went because we saw a Sphinx, a Luna moth, and a new moth to Louisiana that Dr. Allen had never seen on his property before. (none of which are pictured below)
Sunday Morning was a guided mushroom walk led by David Lewis. Even with the drought, there were still some mushrooms to see and he was able to identify them for us.
Driving away from Allen Acres, I was filled with a renewed sense of adventure, like a little kid with a whole new world in front of me to learn about.
As soon as I got home, I took my camera out and ran outside to take pictures of any wildflowers and mushrooms I could find in my backyard. Using Dr. Allen’s book, Louisiana Wildflower Guide, I was able to identify some of the wildflowers. I documented them with the picture, date, scientific name, and common name – Like a real botanist!
I hope you enjoy the pictures from our adventure and are inspired to look at your gardens through a new lens.
Who knows what you may find!
Thanks again to Dr. Allen and Susan for having us this weekend. If anyone is interested in checking out Allen Acres, click here for their website: https://www.allenacresbandb.com/
Till next time, friends!
Allen Acres is a regular top on this naturalists’ travels. So glad you went. Not at all surprised you came home inspired. Here’s betting you’ll go back!
We had such a wonderful time. I’m sure I will be back one day. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Wanting to visit one day . Looks like an adventure.