Hi, my name is Tyler Thompson. I serve in Outreach with Pontchartrain Conservancy as a member of AmeriCorps. I was drawn to this position for two reasons: first, to be able to engage with members of my community and build connections, and second, to learn more about why the coast is important specifically to Louisiana. As a native, learning more about members of my community as well as what I can do to help them is of high importance to me. During my service term, I have attended 12 different events across Louisiana, both learning and spreading awareness about restoring the coast. I have also facilitated 3 volunteer events, including trash cleanups and tree potting's at our tree nursery. 

The CPRA hosted the FINAL meeting last week to review the draft for the Coastal Master Plan, the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Plan, and the 2024 Atchafalaya Basin Program Annual Plan. BUT! You can still leave comments until March 25th! If you have feedback on any of these plans, you can leave a comment via email, online form or mailing to this direct address: 150 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Lastly, we celebrate National Women’s History in the month of March. Here is an article that highlights the importance of women’s environmental work. Year round, but especially this month, we are thankful for and appreciate the women around us. 

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a fun fact! Did you know a Shamrock (Three-Leaf Clover) & Four-Leaf Clover are different? Be on the lookout for a Four-Leaf Clover which is said to bring good luck for its rarity! 

Water Leaders Institute: New Orleans/ Bulbancha Water Map Project 

The Water Leaders Institute is excited to launch their New Orleans/ Bulbancha Water Map project. 

Visit the project website to learn about this multimedia platform for exploring the topic of water in relation to our past, present and future. Visit the “Water Map Stories” section for writing and videos – topics ranging from Bulbancha and crawfish, to how water flows in the delta. Next month, they will distribute their first paper maps, while working towards launching the digital version of the map in fall 2023. 

If you’re able, please consider supporting the project financially. The Water Leaders Institute would like to distribute this map throughout the region at no cost so that all residents have access to basic water systems information as well as stories, artwork, readings, projects and programs that support learning, dialogue and collective stewardship of the region’s water resources. You can email [email protected] with questions, comments, to sponsor the project or to get involved. 

RECIPE IDEAS: Crawfish Cheesecake… HEAR ME OUT!

Earlier this month, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), in partnership with the St. Bernard Parish Coastal Division, St. Bernard Parish Tourist Commission, Chefs Brigade and Nunez Community College, held the 5th annual Cook-Off for the Coast! Do you enjoy cooking? How does the sound of cheesecake sound to you? Cream cheese… Pecans… What about crawfish? A crawfish dish for an entree, cheesecake for dessert. Good, right? I have a crazy idea for you! WHAT IF… we combined the two? Crawfish Cheesecake! It sounds crazy, but you can try this recipe for yourself, along with many others like this! The Cook-off for the Coast features amazing, unique foods from local cooks each year and they can even win prizes for their dishes! Aside from the cooking competition, this year we heard a live performance from Michot’s Melody Makers! The sound of drums, the violin, the keyboard, and singing filled the air all throughout the day. If you missed this year, be sure to join us next year for another day of cooking and live performances! 

Volunteer Opportunities

Our partners at Pontchartrain Conservancy and Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana are once again able to offer safe, socially distant, outdoor volunteer opportunities!

• CRCL Tree Planting @ Bayou Segnette 03.24.2023 (Morning)  - Register Here

• CRCL Tree Planting @ Bayou Segnette 03.24.2023 (Afternoon) - Register Here 

• CRCL Tree Planting @ Bayou Segnette 03.25.2023 (Morning) - Register Here

• CRCL Tree Planting @ Bayou Segnette 03.25.2023 (Afternoon) - Register Here

• CRCL Oyster Shell Recycling Volunteer Event 04.14.2023 - Register Here

• CRCL Oyster Shell Recycling Volunteer Event 04.22.2023 - Register Here

• PC Tree Nursery Seeking Volunteers - Contact: [email protected] 

Upcoming Events

• A Studio in the Woods FishSTOCK - 03.25.2023
• Louisiana Children’s Museum MudFest - 03.25.2023
• CRCL Shell-a-Bration - 03.31.2023
• Barataria Preserve Spring in the Swamp - 04.08.2023
• UNO Earth Day - 04.19.2023
• Coastal Day - 04.24.2023