Historical Roots: The nursery industry in Forest Hill began with Samuel Stokes in 1901 who pioneered propagating native species like dogwoods, camellias, and azaleas. One of his innovations, including the dwarf yaupon holly set the stage of a long standing industry. Fast forward to today and you find close to 200 nurseries scattered through out Rapides Parish. And many more in Louisiana in the southern part of the state.