Discover Nature Programs

Through a partnership with the Louisiana Master Naturalist of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR) we are proud to offer exciting new Discover Nature programs featuring local and national experts who are in touch with nature and are eager to share their experiences. All programs will be held in the Imo Brown Complex in the Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium at Hilltop Arboretum. Discover Nature programs are free for Members Magnolia Level ($250) and above. Advance registration is encouraged.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Louisiana’s Amphibians and Reptiles
Featuring Brad “Bones” Glorioso
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM  

Join LSU Hilltop Arboretum for an engaging evening with U.S. Geological Survey herpetologist Brad “Bones” Glorioso as he explores the fascinating and often overlooked world of Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.

Drawing from years of field research, Glorioso will share insights into the ecology, behavior, and conservation of the many species that call Louisiana home, with a special focus on the state’s remarkable turtle diversity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these species face and the science guiding efforts to protect them.

Glorioso will also discuss the Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts (L.A.R.E.), a citizen science, education, and outreach initiative he founded in 2012 to promote appreciation for and conservation of Louisiana’s amphibians and reptiles.

This program is ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in the biodiversity of Louisiana’s landscapes.

About the Speaker

Brad “Bones” Glorioso is a herpetologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based at the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. His work focuses on the ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, including long-term monitoring of amphibian populations across the southern United States. He holds degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University and Middle Tennessee State University and is widely known for his research on Louisiana’s native turtle species. He is also the founder of Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts (L.A.R.E.), a citizen science and outreach initiative connecting the public with conservation efforts.

For more information about this event, please contact us at LSU Hilltop Arboretum at 225-767-6916, visit www.lsu.edu/hilltop, or email info@friendsofhilltop.org.

Program Details

Hidden in Plain Sight: Louisiana’s Amphibians and Reptiles
June 23, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Registration

Questions? Contact Hilltop by email info@friendsofhilltop.org or call 225-767-6916.