Home / Environment / LA Wetlands Reborn: 30,000 Trees Fight Rising Seas
LA Wetlands Reborn: 30,000 Trees Fight Rising Seas
13 Feb
Summary
- Hundreds of saplings are being planted to restore wetlands lost since Hurricane Katrina.
- The goal is to plant 30,000 trees to fortify New Orleans against rising sea levels.
- Environmental groups are working to reforest areas affected by saltwater intrusion.
Across Louisiana, hundreds of saplings are being planted in a concerted effort to restore the protective barrier of coastal wetlands. Organizers are ferrying volunteers to numerous sites to plant native trees like bald cypress and water tupelo. The overarching goal is to reach a total of 30,000 trees, aiming to stabilize the land around New Orleans as it sinks below sea level.
Much of this natural defense was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. However, since the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (MRGO) was shut down in 2009 to curb saltwater intrusion, environmental groups have been actively reforesting. Significant federal and state funding has enabled a collective effort, with organizations like the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana planting thousands of trees.
This restoration is more than just ecological recovery; it's a way for many involved to cope with living in the aftermath of disaster. For those who experienced Katrina, these efforts represent resilience and hope for the future, teaching younger generations the importance of environmental stewardship and providing reasons to remain in the region.
