Briarwood - Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve

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Briarwood is a Wild Garden. Its appeal is to botanists and horticulturists-- all of those rare individuals interested in studying and preserving native plants, particularly those indigenous to the South.

During her lifetime, Caroline Dormon received scores of tributes, but the most significant came from a handful of friends who wanted to fund and administer a foundation which would perpetuate Caroline's work with trees and native plants. Several months before her death they suggested that she will Briarwood to the Foundation for Preservation of the Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve, Inc. Within a decade the Foundation completed a Headquarters Building which became a center for educational purposes in the conservation field and a home for a curator. For college, university and high school groups who use the facilities of Briarwood, it has become a mecca for their horticultural studies. Today conservationists and horticulturists from all over the world travel to Briarwood--to walk down forest trails, to savor the beauty of the Louisiana iris bog, to admire the reflection pool, and to enjoy the most complete botanical and wildlife sanctuary in Louisiana.

As a young teacher, Caroline Dormon experienced the joy of walking through cathedral-like pine forests in the rolling Kisatchie Hills of North Louisiana. The inspiration of these giant trees and native Louisiana flora shaped her life for the rest of her days. Saving and preserving them became her magnificent obsession. Caroline's inspiration and education came from her father, a small town lawyer in Arcadia, Louisiana. The family owned a tract of timber, some of it longleaf virgin pine, which they called Briarwood. In this outdoor classroom Caroline's father taught her to know and love trees, plant materials and birds. At Briarwood Caroline collected and replanted her favorite native plants. A feature of Caroline's work became the propagating and hybridizing of native plants, with special emphasis on the Louisiana iris.

Caroline Dormon was the first woman employed in forestry in the United States. Almost single-handedly she worked with Louisiana and U.S. Forest Service leaders to establish Kisatchie National Forest, comprised of 600,000 acres, stretching over seven parishes. As her influence spread, she lectured throughout the South to clubs, Boy Scouts, and other endeavor groups. Professional horticulturists and foresty leaders visited Briarwood for consultation with this dedicated conservationist. Caroline Dormon's pioneering work continues today through the inspiration she has given to professionals in her field and to thousands of others who have come to love the beauty of Louisiana woodlands and native flora. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Briarwood is shown by tours that are guided by experienced persons who knew Caroline Dormon, and who, through her encouragement, have come to know and appreciate every foot of this forest and its native plants.