Host: Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Location: Ione Burden Conference Center, 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
November Reflections in the Garden Series Topic: “Create Overwintering Habitat for Beneficial Insects”
Beneficial insects play a critical role in healthy ecosystems, yet many species struggle to survive the winter when their natural habitats are scarce or disturbed. In this presentation, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador and naturalist Teri Gegenheimer will share simple, beautiful, and practical ways to support these insects through the colder months. Attendees will learn how to create overwintering spaces that blend seamlessly into home landscapes while providing essential shelter for pollinators, predators of garden pests, and other helpful invertebrates. Teri will highlight easy projects, materials to use, and the ecological value of even small habitat enhancements.
Speaker: Teri Gegenheimer, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador
Teri Gegenheimer’s love for nature began in early childhood on a large farm in Ohio where she spent her days exploring woods and creek beds, picking wildflowers, and studying the insects, leaves, and mosses that covered the forest floor. These outdoor experiences shaped her lifelong passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Her recent conservation work includes serving as a Volunteer Interpretive Guide at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Barataria from 2000 to 2005, becoming a Louisiana Certified Master Naturalist in 2018, and helping establish the Wild Ones Ponchartrain Basin chapter where she serves as a founding board member. Since 2023 she has been a Volunteer Ambassador for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation where she promotes habitat creation, native plants, and insect conservation through education and community outreach.
Reflections in the Garden is live-streamed to members of the Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens through Microsoft Teams. In-person attendance is open to both members and nonmembers with registration.
Friends Member - Free
Guest - $10