Dear Reader,  

I remember where I was the first time I read that Louisiana was losing a football field of land every hour. While it was distressing to read, I had every bit of faith we would come together to fix the problem. It wasn’t even a possibility to me that we wouldn’t, because of what that would mean.  

Last week, ground was broken on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the largest ecosystem restoration project ever undertaken in the US. The diversion is just one of many measures we’re taking to protect and rebuild the coast, and these projects will work together to maximize our sediment resources. It can sometimes feel like the beginning of the end of our coastal woes—after decades of planning, community input and world-class science, we’re finally reconnecting the Mississippi River to its floodplain. While Mid-Barataria will build and maintain 17,300 acres of wetlands in its first 30 years of operation, it is only one diversion. With sea-level rise and natural subsidence, we are still looking at a net loss of wetlands over the next 50 years. Given this recent progress, I am still hopeful for the future of the coast, and projects like the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion are the source of that hope.  

There is an oft quoted article from the December 1897 issue of the National Geographic which describes that future generations would unquestionably have to contend with the massive land loss our state would incur from building levees. It concludes with the reassurance that our country would one day be made so rich by settling the delta, that we would build a levee larger than ever before to combat the flooding that would ensue. In the words of Albert Einstein, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”   

During this time of celebration, I ask that we continue to consider how can we keep thinking with a different mind? What does a giant leap for coastal restoration really look like? And I ask that you really lean into celebrating in spite of the work ahead. Wherever you are, whatever role you played in bringing us forward to this moment, congratulations and thank you, thank you, thank you.   

2023 Storm Season

August 29th marks 18 years since Hurricane Katrina. Pontchartrain Conservancy developed the Multiple Lines of Defense Strategy in 2006 as a way to frame the system of protections we have against storms. In the spirit of Pontchartrain Conservancy’s May Storm Sweep event, consider adopting a catch basin on your block to keep it clear of debris and contributing to neighborhood level defense against flooding. You can even name the drains! Sorry, but “Drain the Block Johnson” is taken. 

While the state comes together to build up the wetlands buffer and our neighborhoods address readiness, consider developing your home’s defense measures – evacuation plans, emergency supplies, property protective measures and insurance, etc. Ready NOLA has a great one-stop shop for preparedness tips and evacuation information for the City of New Orleans. The CDC is another great resource for any region. See PC’s event below to pick up some useful resources at the New Canal Lighthouse next month.

Upcoming Events

• "Heat is More then Temperature" Lecture – August 23rd at Alex Beard's Studio (3926 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115) from 5:30-7 p.m. CRCL's next costal lecture will feature Dr. Angela Chalk with Healthy Community Services will present on the residual impacts of rising temperatures and natural, sustainable opportunities for mitigation.   
• Future Coastal Leaders Field Trip – August 26th at restoration project sites in St. Bernard Parish from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Future Coastal Leaders is a CRCL program where young coastal minded students can get involved, learn, and network in the coastal stewardship space. This trip is open to prospective students and educators.   
• Hummingbird Migration and Nature Festival – September 14th, 15th, and 16th at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center (5107 Arthur St. Moss Point, MS 39563). Audubon Delta will have hands-on activities, live animal displays, banding of hummingbirds and passerines, and local merchants and vendors.
• Storm Aware and Prepare – September 23rd in New Orleans East (location TBD) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pontchartrain Conservancy will give away storm preparedness materials and provide family friendly coastal educational activities. 

Recipe Spotlight! Wahoo Sashimi

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities 

• CRCL Oyster Shell Recycling Events and Fall Reef Deployment. Sign up here. 
  • Shell Recycling Dates:
    • August 18
    • August 26 
  • Reef Deployment Dates:
    • September 22
    • September 23
    • September 29
• PC Tree Plantings (ongoing). Sign up here.