By Gabrielle Keaton Breaux, Marketing Manager & Abbie Acosta, Conservation Director
May 7, 2026

This year marks our third year since seeding the Cajun Prairie, and with each season, we continue learning from and responding to this dynamic ecosystem. 

Like many prairie restorations, our site faces ongoing pressure from invasive species such as Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, and Chinese tallow tree. In larger, more rural prairies, these challenges are often addressed with prescribed fire. However, due to the complexity of planning a controlled burn within a relatively small site in the heart of the city, we have relied on annual cut-backs and targeted herbicide applications over the past few years to suppress unwanted vegetation. 

A Shift In Strategy

This year represents a transition in how we manage the prairie as we work to refine our practices and move closer to a more natural system.

We began the season with a high cut of our most prominent portion of the prairie, mimicking the effects of historic grazing by bison and cattle. Afterward, our team carefully raked and removed the cut material, exposing as much bare soil as possible. This step is critical, as leftover thatch can harbor invasive seeds and suppress the growth of desirable native species. 

In areas with intense invasive pressure, we introduced targeted flame weeding. Rather than attempting full eradication, which would be highly resource-intensive, this method is used strategically to knock back invasive growth and give native plants a competitive edge as they enter the growing season.

Investing In Native Diversity

To further support the prairie, we planted 1,500 native prairie plugs with a high level of species diversity. These plants were generously donated by Louisiana Native Seed Company and grown from regionally appropriate seed. Introducing established plugs helps accelerate prairie development and gives native species a much-needed head start.

If you visit the prairie this summer, you may notice orange marking flags. These indicate newly planted areas so we can provide supplemental watering to help young plants establish.

Looking Ahead

Throughout the summer, our goal is to maintain the prairie without the use of herbicides, instead relying on a combination of spot flame weeding, selective hedging, and hand removal to manage invasive species. 

All of these efforts are building toward an exciting milestone, a full prescribed burn planned for next year. Fire is a vital part of prairie ecology, and we look forward to reintroducing it as a management tool when conditions allow.

A Community Effort

This work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the expertise of our Horticulture and Conservation team, and the generous support of Steve Nevitt and Louisiana Native Seed Company. Their plant donations, guidance, and ongoing commitment to native landscapes have made a lasting impact on this project. 

Stay tuned as Moncus Park’s Cajun Prairie continues to grow, change, and thrive.