Near my home in Lafayette, Louisiana, lies a swampy lake called Lake Martin that's partly owned and preserved by The Nature Conservancy. It's a gorgeous stretch of wetlands that includes a bird rookery bursting at the seams every spring. Right now, the lake is full of roseate spoonbills, egrets and herons — among other birds — making nests and bringing forth new life.

I volunteer at the Nature Conservancy's Visitor Center and watch how people from all over the world visit Lake Martin to see the birds and alligators, hike the trails and learn about Louisiana habitats.

If you're ever this way, be sure and stop by Lake Martin for an up-close look at Louisiana wildlife. My Cajun novels offer some of that wildlife as well.