Trees that are potted and grown in our very own Tree Nursery will eventually be planted in Louisiana's coastal marshes. Our nursery, located in the Bucktown neighborhood of Metairie next to The Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, was completed in February 2021. The nursery consists of 70+ shipping pallets, on which the trees are placed, and automated underground irrigation. In February, 2,500 bald cypress trees were potted at our nursery by volunteers. The nursery is currently undergoing an expansion that will effectively double its capacity. We are also in the process of potting 2,500 green ash trees, which will bring our total tree count to 5,000.  

THANK YOU to our volunteers that potted 1,600 green ash last week as part of Storm Sweep! These trees will contribute to the Mulitple Lines of Defense Strategy as native trees such as bald cypress, water tupelo, and green ash serve as a natural shield against strong winds, reduce the impact of flooding through water absorption, and reduce the effects of erosion by holding the soil in place. Helping to pot, grow, and plant these trees are a direct way that volunteers can help reduce the negative impacts of storms!

Come paddle on Lake Pontchartrain with NOLA Paddleboards this Summer! This new partnership allows NOLA Paddleboards' customers to launch from our historic New Canal Lighthouse.

The Pontchartrain Paddle lasts for 75 minutes and always begins with a short safety briefing and instructional lesson for any customers in need. Your instructor will then guide the group out onto the lake where they will remain for on-the-water support. Experienced paddlers can cruise off for some alone time once we paddle out together onto the lake. High-quality Jackson Kayaks are also now available!

Reservations are always required. You can book from 1 - 8 paddlers using their website linked below. At least 2 people are required for a session to take place. The price is $40 per paddler (plus tax).

Storm Sweep is wrapping up and it has been a huge success! We had hundreds of volunteers that picked up tons of trash in our basin! We also had two proclamations issued by City of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Jefferson Parish Council declaring May Storm Preparedness Month. There are still a few more cleanup opportunities left for you to join, but remember there is always time for you to continue to educate yourself, family, and friends on storm prep as we gear up for a busy hurricane season!

Thank you to those that attended Coastal Day at the Capitol! It was a great opportunity to remind our elected officials of why our coast is so important and to hear from the Governor on the future projects taking place.

Also, as you may be aware, we’re in the midst of the public comment period on the largest coastal restoration project in Louisiana’s history. Because you care about Louisiana’s coast and have been a supporter of restoration efforts, please take time to submit a public comment about the project before June 3rd. It is critical that those who care about the coast speak up at this moment and ensure decision-makers are informed to make the best choices for the future of the coast.

The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion is a cornerstone project in Louisiana’s plan for a resilient coast. It is projected to build and maintain thousands of acres of wetlands, create diverse habitats, and reduce storm surge threats to many nearby communities.

You can learn more about the project here: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion - Our Best Shot to Turn the Tide on Coastal Land Loss (mississippiriverdelta.org).

Thanks for your continuous support!