Host: Woodside Energy

Location: Central School Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA

Come see a special screening of the documentary Louisiana Grass Roots.

When we drive through SWLA, most of us don't notice the vestiges of the Cajun Prairie. It's hard to imagine that the pastures, ponds, and fields we pass were once a 2.5 million-acre tallgrass coastal prairie teeming with life so thick that it was hard for our ancestors to drive a wagon through it.

Directed by Jillian Godshall and produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard, the film explores the history of Louisiana's forgotten prairie ecosystems and the vital community movement working to preserve them.

This film screening and discussion serve as companion programming to the traveling exhibition, Hidden in Plain Sight: Exploring Louisiana's Disappearing Prairie, which will be on display until November 7, 2026 on the 1st floor of the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan St. Brought to you by Woodside Energy, the aim of this exhibit is to reconnect us to our natural heritage that gave rise to our cultural heritage. Explore how natural elements reveal the small parts that run the grand prairie ecosystem and connect how our culture sprang from it. Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM.