Old Growth Forests
A workshop on reading and interpreting forest development and age

DESCRIPTION
The forest that early inhabitants of the South knew were vastly different from today’s often dense, overgrown forests. But relics of antiquity can still be found if we have the trained eyes to see them. Join botanist John Michael Kelley and naturalist Matthew Herron on a treasure hunt to discover the remnants of our rich natural heritage as we hike one of Louisiana’s hidden gems. Learn to read the land for signs of the forest’s history, estimate age of trees and stands, and determine the ecological health of a mixed hardwood forest. The course is useful for everyone: whether your a nature enthusiast looking to learn more about trees and forests or land owner/manager looking to better steward your woods. This class does not go into tree identification as a skill set but rather focuses on recognizing pattern recognition in forest development. SPECIAL NOTES: the class includes up to 1 miles of hiking, a portion of which is on steep terrain and off-trail. Participants should be in good health and prepared for an adventure.


Registration includes instruction, materials and hand outs; lunch provided at additional cost. If the cost of program is a limitation, please contact us work trade and other opportunities.
John Michael is a self taught naturalist and botanist from Northwest Louisiana. He has worked for Caddo parish parks and recreation while researching the rare, natural communities of our state. His interests are especially focused on old forests and calcareous grasslands. John Michael serves as a local coordinator for the Old Growth Forest Network. 
YOUR GUIDE: Matthew Herron holds a B.A. in English Creative Writing and German from LSU and an M.S. from University of Louisiana at Monroe where he studied ecological restoration of floodplain forests. Matthew has been a strong advocate for healthy land relationships for over 15 years, through environmental education and ecological restoration projects involving native plants/seeds and invasive species management. He is the founder and education director for the Coastal Plains Outdoor School. 
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Samples are provided to help students understand general flow and breadth of the class and do not include all content details. Also, itineraries are subject to change at any time based on needs of students and the best judgement of the instructor(s).

  • 9 AM - Introductions, refreshments, packing lunch
  • 9:30 AM - Big Trees:  what they can and can't tell us; how to age and assess them; what does old growth mean?
  • ~10:30 Forest Stands: how groups of trees reveal patterns in forest history and development; terminology for describing forest growth and structure
  • ~11:45 Forest Forensics I: how to look for signs of  disturbance and old age in forest stands; reading twigs, debris
  • 12:00  PM - Picnic lunch in the woods
  • 12:45 PM - Forest Forensics II: the anatomy of an old trees; biological diversity 
  • 2:30 PM - Closing Circle
  • 3:00 PM - End of Class
  • 5:00 PM Ethnobotany session begins. Native and invasive plants and their cultural legacy. Fibers, pigments, food, tools and more.
  • 7:00 PM end of all programs 
PACKING LIST 
  • Day Pack with Straps- hands free pack for carrying lunch, water, class materials and tools, snacks, notebook, 
  • Reusable Water Bottle(s) 
  • Sturdy Footwear – Closed toed shoes are recommended: hiking boots or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy/wet. 
  • Clothing/Layers – We recommend pants with a strong cloth material, even in the summer, to avoid exposure to brambles and hazards of the field. We sit on logs, sometimes the ground. We kneel down and look close. 
  • Wristwatch: return to group on top
  • Portable Field Notebook and Pencils – often needed as part of a learning exercises.  Please bring something you are comfortable carrying and utilizing frequently. 
  • Field Guides – if you have one and want to practice using it
  • Personal Meals –  If you did not sign up for a meal, please pack a lunch that is suitable for packing into a backpack and taking with you
  • Thermos/coffee mug for coffee/tea/other complimentary beverage
ACCESSIBILITY:
At CPOS, we value diversity and want to make these programs available to all. If you would love to participate yet can’t pay for a workshop or program, please send us an email at [email protected]. We offer work-trade and scholarship options for most classes based on the needs and capacity of the individual. Write us and describe your needs and goals, what you can contribute, and how you might answer the call to "foster deeper relationships between land and people." ALSO, if you would like to donate money to provide scholarships to others, please let us know at the email above!

Upcoming Classes

Old Growth Mixed Hardwood Forests: a workshop on reading and interpreting forest development

$40.00 - $80.00

March 21, 2026

Ville Platte, LA (details upon registration)

8:45 am - 3:00 pm


Description: The forest that early inhabitants of the South knew were vastly different from today’s often dense, overgrown forests. But relics of antiquity can still be found if we have the trained eyes to see them. Join botanist John Michael Kelley and naturalist Matthew Herron on a treasure hunt to discover the remnants of our rich natural heritage as we hike one of Louisiana’s hidden gems. Learn to read the land for signs of the forest’s history, estimate age of trees and stands, and determine the ecological health of a mixed hardwood forest. The course is useful for everyone: whether your a nature enthusiast looking to learn more about trees and forests or land owner/manager looking to better steward your woods. This class does not go into tree identification as a skill set but rather focuses on recognizing pattern recognition in forest development. SPECIAL NOTES: the class includes up to 1 miles of hiking, a portion of which is on steep terrain and off-trail. Participants should be in good health and prepared for an adventure.


Registration includes instruction, materials and hand outs; lunch provided at additional cost. If the cost of program is a limitation, please contact us work trade and other opportunities.


Optional Ethnobotany Evening Program: $40, . Stick around for refeshments and a special tour of the cultural connections with plant materials. Topics include plants for fiber, baskets, dyes/inks, medicine, and more. Includes a small handmade craft to take home
Register
IMPORTANT NOTES
  • Refund Policy: Cancellations a minimum of one week prior to the class are eligible for a refund.
  • Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early to the site so we can check you in and provide information and refreshments before we begin. The program will begin promptly at 9 am.
  • Physical Exertion: This class involves walking through hilly terrain up to 1 mile.
  • Weather: Please check the weather forecast on the days leading up to and the morning of the program and dress accordingly. In general, programs proceed rain or shine, excepting dangerous weather. We  modify the structure of the program to accomodate rainy weather.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is critical to having a safe and positive outdoor experience. Please consider beginning your hydration the night before, drinking plenty of water in the morning and drink water throughout the day. Always start the hike with a body, belly and bottles full of water!
  • Pets: Please do not bring dogs or other pets to educational classes, as they can become a distraction/limitation to your and the group’s learning process.
  • Facilities: Restroom are available at the parking lot where class begins.
  • Pre-reading Article: Each class includes pre-reading for your enjoyment and to stimulate curiosity and conversation in the group. You are under no pressure to read it. Just know that reading it will enhance your experience and prime your mind for learning.
  • Community Spirit - We strive to create a supportive, cohesive group where everyone feels welcome to ask question and share their stories.  Please step up if you or someone you see needs help and recognize when it is time to step back and let others talk and ask questions. Please also help us stay on time by watching the clock during exploratory sessions.
  • Community Meals: If you signed up for a meal, we will provide the food but ask you help with setting tables and clean up afterwards. Meals are generally prepared in house and made with organic, fresh ingredients and lots of love. Feeding people is our love language.
  • Contact: Please keep the course coordinator’s phone number  in your phone, in case you are arriving late or need to reconnect with the group. This phone number is included in your registration email.
  • Waiver/Assumption of Risk:  All participants need to fill out a waiver prior to participation. You can either e-sign this document ahead of time or print it and bring the day of. Please inform us of any critical health concerns or allergies prior to the program. Your guide will have first aid and CPR training and a first aid kit for minor injuries.
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