Jean Nicolas Collignon was born in Metz, France in 1762, and he was recommended for the La Prouse expedition, by the Director of Horticulture at the Jardin du Roi named Andr Thouin, a pioneer of conservationist, stressing the importance of replacing woodlands to compensate for their destruction due to human encroachment.
Collignon was born in Metz, France in 1762. The La Perouse expedition consisted of the frigates La Boussole, the flagship with Collignon in the crew, and L'Astrolabe under the command of Fleuriot de Langle. He was recommended for the voyage by Andre Thouin, Director of Horticulture at the Jardin du Roi. He was a pioneer conservationist, stressing the importance of replacing woodlands to compensate for their destruction due to human encroachment. 
