08/15/2026
Christopher and Selby Grand Transform Property to Earn LCHP Gold Level Certification!
By Peggy Coates
Christoper and Selby Grand purchased a 6-acre portion of a former dairy farm (1940’s-1970’s) in Charter Oaks Subdivision near Hammond in Tangipahoa Parish in 2006. Today, the property consists of a mixture of mature pines and hardwoods, bahaigrass pasture, cultivated areas, and Sisler’s Creek at the rear of the property. The creek empties into the Natalbany River, a primary drainage basin for the western edge of the Hammond-Ponchatoula area. Like a green ribbon along Sisler’s Creek, a riparian small stream forest hosts a blend of wetland and upland plant species.
The Grand’s philosophy is that their habitat “.… should feel like nature, naturalized as much as possible.” When they purchased the land, they saw no insects and bees! The riparian forest had a large population of invasive Chinese tallow and privet. It is a long- term ongoing project to eradicate these plants. As Christopher explored the forest, he discovered a large diversity of native plant species that have become a source for salvaging and replanting. He pointed out a particularly attractive post oak tree during our walkabout, also magnolias, elms, swamp red maples, American beautyberry, St. John’s wort, dog fennel, poke w**d, aster, goldenrod, ironw**d, boneset, and leafy elephant’s foot. Vines were also growing prolifically, including maypop, hempvine, poison ivy, and Virginia creeper, which he encourages to grow up and then down tree trunks to create ground covers. He also has learned that planting native trees along the clay ridge that runs along the creek transforms the soil due to the shade and decomposing leaf litter, and this creates a conducive environment for fireflies. His advice is to “.… keep leaves in place where they fall.”
Initially, the bahaigrass pasture was dominated by over thirty mature water oak trees that have been lost due to decades of storms and aging. As the trees were removed, the stumps were kept in place. As they begin to decay, the stumps become an anchor to build circular native habitat. The physical and biological changes that occurred, as the wood rotted, transformed the stump into a source of hydration and nutrients. Christopher uses succession planting to establish native plant communities around the stumps. He staggers plant species so that, as one wave finishes blooming and retreats, another takes its place. To edge the habitats and to add more nutrients to the soil, he uses fallen branches from the property. With still a large expanse of bahaigrass to cut, he positions his mower to blow grass clippings onto the habitats as he cuts the field, acting as natural mulch.
Systematically, Christopher established stands of native trees across the open fields. His favorite oak species is the swamp chestnut oak. He collected the acorns, propagated them, grew them out, and planted them in a grove. He is conducting a pawpaw tree experiment to determine the best growing conditions to produce fruit. He planted several native fruit tree orchards that include an understory planting of American beautyberry, transplanted from the site into the grove. Around the Grand home are beds planted with wetland species and native wildflowers. One plant that stood out was the giant coneflower, Rudbeckia maxima, that naturally grows on the site. Other plants include LA irises, pickerel w**d, mallows, spiderworts, and dwarf palmetto, to name a few.
In 2006, the transformation of the property to a habitat began. Selby said the increase in insect and pollinator populations has been dramatic! There are more caterpillars and native seeds for birds to eat, and, as a result, there are larger populations of native plants. Large populations of frogs, lizards, and snakes are welcomed, except for venomous ones, of course! Great horned owls and barred owls, along with small bats, live in the big trees. Gulf fritillary butterflies devour the maypop vines that now grow in large populations. Future plans for the property are to continue to develop habitat and eradicate invasive species, while also developing a management manual to pass on to the next owner.
Congratulations, Christopher and Selby, on achieving a Gold Level LCHP Certification for your ongoing efforts to grow and sustain a thriving native habitat!
