In October 2025, I hosted a mini reunion for the Iowa Mennonite High School Class of 1963. It was “mini” because only 5 of my classmates could come, but the 6 of us had a blast.

The classmates who came, came from far and wide. None of them had ever seen a swamp. So, of course I took them to Black Bayou Lake NWR to walk the boardwalk. And of course it was the highlight of their visit to Monroe.

As you can see by the sign on the door of the Conservation Learning Center, all facilities were officially closed due to the federal government shutdown at that time. So please don’t get super-volunteer Jim into trouble for bringing a beautiful Louisiana Pine Snake onto the porch to meet the visitors. Lola is the wife of one of my classmates and she especially appreciated meeting Brother. Or Grouchy? I’m not sure which!*

We were also treated that day to butterflies–a Gulf Fritillary and a Viceroy. A Green Heron perched on a low branch, eyes on the water. Dragonflies were about. The Bald Cypresses were turning their brilliant reddish copper fall color. Seeing our awesome refuge through the eyes of those who have never seen anything like it before was a real joy.

*Earlier this year, Brother died and Grouchy has been retired. Grouchy can still be viewed in the snake room at the refuge, but can no longer be handled by the public. Louisiana Pine Snakes are the rarest of snakes and we want to keep Grouchy as healthy and stress-free as possible.