The deer that roam over the picturesque hills at the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station are there for research. The station is the only facility of its kind in the country that has both a captive and native deer herd. A main focus of research is improved genetics. The setting also allows for research on other wildlife including ground-nesting birds. Researchers work to control the aquatic weed giant salvinia, which has become an economic issue in Louisiana, clogging lakes and lowering property values. Efforts are under way to control invasive species such as Chinese privet and Chinese tallow trees.
