Briarwood Nature Preserve will hold its Spring Tom Sawyer Day activities Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. This event invites the public to spend a few hours working to preserve, maintain, and restore the historical and ecological legacy of Caroline Dormon.  

With unique historic artifacts, cultivated native gardens, and miles of trails, the importance of community involvement at Briarwood cannot be overstated. Last autumn’s Tom Sawyer Day volunteers assisted with transplanting native plants, restoring Dormon’s prized Bay Garden, and clearing debris in preparation for reopening the Charlotte Collins Trail for public access. With similar projects and more planned for Saturday, the spring Tom Sawyer Day offers participation opportunities for every age and level of ability. 

As a volunteer-oriented event, Briarwood’s Tom Sawyer Day activities follow the ethos of creating fun from work. Each year, volunteers arrive from across the region to build camaraderie around shared interests in history, horticulture, ornithology, and educational outreach. Volunteer activities conclude at noon and are followed by a complimentary meal and tours of Caroline Dormon’s historic home and the site’s extensive wilderness trails.    

A prolific writer and naturalist, Caroline Dormon’s efforts led to the creation of Kisatchie National Forest, which now spans parts of seven parishes. Today the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, also known as Briarwood, stewards the rich biodiversity of Louisiana’s native forests along with Dormon’s personal belongings and writings.  

To learn more about Tom Sawyer Day, schedule a tour, or find out about other events at Briarwood Nature Preserve, visit www.BriarwoodNP.org  or contact the Curator, Bayli Brossette, at 318-576-3379.