Louisiana Community Forests

09/02/2026

Learn more at MoreThanPaper.org 🌳

🎥: elbow/room

08/17/2026

Learn more at MoreThanPaper.org

🎥: elbow/room

08/12/2026

Have you ever picked a Celeste Fig straight from the tree, or is this Louisiana favorite new to you? 🌿

Long before figs became a farmers market favorite, Celeste Figs were finding a home in our own backyards! This small but mighty fruit tree has been a Southern garden staple for generations, and for good reason!

Native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, the common fig ( ) has become a longtime favorite across the South. And here in , the Celeste Fig is one of the most popular and reliable varieties. In early summer, its branches begin filling with small, violet-brown figs with sweet, light-red flesh. 🤎

Fun fact: Celeste is especially well suited to Louisiana’s humid climate. Its fruit has a closed “eye,” which helps protect it from the rain and humidity that can cause other figs to split or sour.

If you’re thinking about planting one:
Celeste Figs grow best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They can reach around 10 feet tall and wide, making them a great choice for a backyard edible landscape or as a small statement tree. Once established, they’re relatively low-maintenance, but consistent watering is important during hot, dry weather.

🌱 Tree Care Tip: Figs have shallow roots, so a layer of mulch around the base can help keep the soil moist and protect the roots during Louisiana’s hot summers.

Find the full Honey Balsamic Baked Figs with Goat Cheese recipe by Kennedy Dawson at cookyep.com!

08/11/2026

🌳 Earlier this summer, The Nature Conservancy's Louisiana Treesilience Program conducted a mid-year review of current projects and also checked in on the progress of ongoing efforts.

To date, Louisiana Treesilience has planted more than 7,400 trees to help restore the urban tree canopy in communities hit hard by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. The program has been funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service, and it is working to expand statewide. Learn more at our Louisiana Conservation News page: https://nature.ly/3Ww4iCv.

08/11/2026

Be sure to continue watering your trees because drought intensify is increasing!

Take breaks and drink plenty of water!

FLASH DROUGHT RISK GROWING ☀🔥 If you're a gardener like me, expect your water bill to increase over the next few weeks!

Hazardous heat is expected to expand across the Deep South over the next two weeks. The Climate Prediction Center has placed parts of the South, including portions of southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi, under a Rapid Onset Drought (ROD) risk.

Extreme heat accelerates evapotranspiration, pulling moisture from plants and soil. With rainfall potentially running more than 2 inches below normal, soils will dry out quickly and drought development possible.

Expect increasing stress on lawns, crops and vegetation, along with a potentially higher fire risk. Additional burn bans could be possible. Stay tuned...

08/07/2026

Learn more at MoreThanPaper.org 🌳

08/03/2026

Sometimes, the coolest place in town is simply the street with more trees. That’s the kind of difference you can feel every single day!

Tree-lined streets don’t just feel better. They work better!

Shade helps keep roads and sidewalks cooler by reducing heat-related wear on pavement. This makes daily commutes, bike rides, and everyday walks a liiiittttle more comfortable. It’s a simple reminder that the trees in our neighborhoods quietly but powerfully improve the places we use every single day!

Learn more about the benefits of trees morethanpaper.org. 🌳