NEW IBERIA, La. --- For the second year in a row, the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative (LICI) and the TECHE Project are partnering on a project in New Iberia City Park (300 Parkview Dr.) to plant Louisiana native irises along a stretch of the Bayou Teche shoreline on Sat., Oct. 1, from 9 a.m.- noon.
Concrete has been removed from a section of the bayou's bank for this project which will result in both shoreline protection and beautification. Previous successful test plantings have culminated in this event.
According to LICI, iris giganticaerulea, a native species of Louisiana iris, which grows in the swamps and marshes south of New Iberia, will be used in the project.
This will help achieve the organization's goal of introducing the public to this native plant, which is the state wildflower of Louisiana. Native plants can be used to stabilize the shoreline instead of rip-rap. The project will also beautify this section of City Park and Bayou Teche.
“We are realizing a dream," said Peter Patout, event planner. "I’m thrilled to have brought the New Orleans-based Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative’s work to New Iberia and they have been so warmly welcomed by Mayor Freddie de Court, the TECHE Project and other leading citizens committed to making this day happen.”
Patout, a historic property realtor based in New Orleans who grew up on the Bayou Teche and maintains a Patoutville home, added:
“A few years ago, I came across this circa 1920 postcard [see photo below] with profuse blooming native irises along Bayou Teche and I was completely captivated. I’ve never seen significant iris stands along the Teche and I was able to rally others to this cause which has led to this planting.”
How To Volunteer:
Please register by e-mailing licisaveirises@gmail.com. The Louisiana Iris Conversation Initiative is also on Facebook.
Rubber boots are recommended. Please bring a long-handled shovel if you have one. Bottled water will be supplied. There are nearby bathrooms in the park. All help will be greatly appreciated.
About LICI:
The Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative was founded by Gary Salathe who is enthusiastically bringing hundreds of these irises to New Iberia.
The Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative, Inc. is a Louisiana non-profit corporation that has been formed for the purpose of organizing Louisiana iris rescue and planting projects involving wild, native irises threatened with destruction.
About TECHE Project:
The TECHE Project is working to improve the overall ecological health and water quality of the Bayou Teche corridor, enhance travelers’ experiences with facilities that ease access and navigation of the bayou, and celebrate Bayou Teche with personal experiences, programs and events. Visit TecheProject.org for more information.
For more information about the planting project, contact Peter Patout at peter@peterpatout.com or call (504) 481-4790.
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