Saltwater creeping up the Mississippi River... Marsh fires surrounding New Orleans... It feels like the bad news just hasn’t stopped. But guess what? Neither have we.
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is a coalition of Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Pontchartrain Conservancy. Through science, public policy, economic analysis, conservation, outreach and communication, the coalition aims to advance an equitable, safer, and flourishing coast for Louisiana’s communities, ecosystems, and economy. To achieve this mission, we are focusing our efforts on advancing priority projects in the 2023 Coastal Master Plan and securing long-term coastal restoration funding for the future.
One of my favorite parts about working with Restore the Mississippi River Delta is the positivity and sheer willpower that runs through the veins of the campaign and pushes everyone to restore the Louisiana coast. It is truly incredible to witness this team and all of our supporters constantly jump through hurdles to accomplish our goals. As McFadden and Whitehead say in one of my favorite disco songs, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now” -- “There's been so many things that's held us down, But now it looks like things are finally comin' around.” So, for No Stoppin’ November and in the spirit of thankfulness, we’re highlighting some ways that we are moving forward.
First, I'd like to celebrate the success of our rivers as they continue to create land, whether through natural processes or man-made diversions. I’d like to thank the younger generations of Louisianians that are already striving to protect our coast and the older generations that have paved the way. I want to celebrate the wetlands for hosting not only a diversity of wildlife and cornucopia of food we love, but also beautiful sunsets, and for protecting the city that has welcomed me home so graciously. Lastly, I really want to celebrate Isaac Toup’s Drunken Shrimp for loving me as much as I love it (more on that later).
So, click on that track from earlier and join me as we groove forward through the fall and into the new year.
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I'll see you out there!
– Will Thinnes
Advocacy Sr. Coordinator,
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
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Celebrating 50 Years of the Wax Lake Delta
Speaking of No Stoppin’ November, we also celebrate 50 years of the Wax Lake Delta! This unique spot on the coast of the Atchafalaya Basin is one of the only areas on Louisiana's coast that's building land, exemplifying the success of rivers in land creation. Check out this video explaining Wax Lake Delta featuring Dr. Alisha Renfro. |
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Event Spotlight: Lights on the Lake
Pontchartrain Conservancy will be hosting their 10th annual Lights on the Lake at the New Canal Lighthouse on December 9th, 2023 from 5-8 PM. Lights on the Lake is a family-friendly event and the best spot in town to watch the annual West End Boat Parade! In addition, there will be hands-on activities, local food vendors, choirs, dancing performances, festive drinks and more. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to PC to help them continue their mission to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy. We hope to see you there!
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Get involved with this year's Cook-off
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Find Holiday Recipes in the Coastal Community Cookbook!
Tired of just the same old holiday dishes? Want to make a splash this year by supporting Louisiana fishermen? Look no further than our Coastal Community Cookbook! Whether you’ve been tasked with bringing the oyster dressing to the family dinner or want to show off your culinary skills with Susan Spicer’s gulf fish “cha ca la vong”, we’ve got you covered! Each recipe features a background story that highlights the author’s connection to the Louisiana coast and includes a quote that describes how the coast has inspired each dish. Feeling inspired? You can even submit your own recipe below for others to enjoy. Happy holidays!
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Partner Spotlight: Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective
The Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective (CWRC) is a group of organizations that are re-establishing a bald cypress and water tupelo bottomland hardwood forest near New Orleans. The partners in the collective are Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Common Ground Relief, Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, Arlene & Joseph Meraux Foundation and Pontchartrain Conservancy. Originally formed four years ago, this collective meets regularly to amplify the impact of the work each organization does individually. Working alongside community stakeholders, this group uses native plant restoration projects to reforest the wetlands to improve ecosystem services including hurricane impact mitigation, high quality habitat and a stronger connection between communities and the landscape. These restoration projects are a tool to build capacity in the surrounding communities by educating and engaging residents in the important work of coastal restoration. Come join CWRC as they have their first planting of the season on December 1st! Can’t make it? No worries! See below for other upcoming volunteer opportunities throughout the next coming months. |
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Future Coastal Leaders Recruitment Trip
CRCL is hosting a Restoration Recruitment Bus Tour on December 16th for high school and college students interested in the Future Coastal Leaders program. Bus tour attendees will spend the day volunteering on a coastal restoration project, visiting major restoration sites in southeastern Louisiana, and learning more about the communities and cultures most impacted by coastal land loss. Registration is free and lunch is provided. Encourage the budding conservationist in your life to reserve a seat now! |
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Volunteer Opportunities
RSVP here to Volunteer with CRCL on:
- December 1, Central Wetlands Reforestation Cypress Planting
- December 2, Central Wetlands Reforestation Cypress Planting
- December 8, Oyster Shell Recycling
- December 13, Native Plant Nursery Work
- December 15, Central Wetlands Reforestation Cypress Planting
- January 6, 2024, Oyster Shell Recycling
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