(Distributed 05/17/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – Building a pond requires more than just digging a hole and waiting for rain, LSU AgCenter experts said at a pond seminar recently (May 14). Planning and following basic guidelines can prevent problems.

(Distributed 05/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are studying a bird species that lives only in coastal marshes to try to determine how it may be affected the by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

(Distributed 05/15/13) MAMOU, La. – The Evangeline Parish Rice Tour will be held May 23 starting at 8 a.m. The first stop will be at Hebert Farms off Bieber Road. Signs will be posted to indicate the location, approximately 4.7 miles west of La. Highway 13.

(Distributed 05/15/13) MANY, La. – Poultry producers are getting help to face the expected challenge of inspections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

(Distributed 05/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Children from all regions of Louisiana are learning about science, math and other subjects while watching their food grow in school gardens, according to LSU AgCenter county agent Miles Brashier, of Pointe Coupee Parish.

(Distributed 05/14/13) HAMMOND, La. – More than 200 Louisiana Master Gardeners braved downpours to be recognized for their volunteer efforts at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on May 10.

(Distributed 05/13/13) MANSURA, La. – A dozen new inductees into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame were recognized at a ceremony at the 4-H Museum here on May 11 for their work with 4-H clubs across the state.

(Distributed 05/13/13) The LSU AgCenter 4-H program will share in a $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation to help teach healthy living and eating choices.

(Distributed 05/10/13) HAMMOND, La. – Althea goes by the scientific name of Hibiscus syriacus. When they look at althea, most gardeners are reminded of the hibiscus family, to which this popular, Southern heritage plant belongs. These plants are also known as rose of Sharon.

(Distributed 05/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will host a Lead Certified Renovator Training course on Thursday, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.