We would like to encourage the use of our remaining swamp forests in a wise and thoughtful manner. Baldcypress swamps represent a significant portion of Louisiana's wetland resources. Although much less abundant than they historically were, baldcypress swamps still cover a few relatively large areas of the state. These swamps are as close as 15-20 minutes south of the Southeastern Louisiana University main campus in Hammond, LA and offer excellent opportunities for field studies of plants, reptiles and amphibians, fish, birds, and parasites. They are also just very cool places to wander about and take photographs.
Cypress swamps serve many vital wetland functions.
Habitat is only one aspect of swamp forests. What we, here at Southeastern Louisiana University, would like to see is a well thought out plan for the conservation and wise use of these priceless natural resources.