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September 30, 2007
Disappearing Coastlines: Environmental Stewardship Success in Southwestern Louisiana
The disappearing coastlines of Louisiana have been a local concern heightened since the devastation created by the 2005 hurricanes. Since then, experts with Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries reported that the loss of wetlands has been accelerated by more than twice the natural rate and a statewide study estimated that 25 to 35 square miles of Louisiana wetlands are lost annually. In an innovative tri-parish program among Calcasieu, Vermilion and Jefferson Davis Parishes, 278 youth and adults partnered with ten other community organizations to plant 5000 marsh grass plants to help stem devastating erosion, add natural beauty and provide wildlife habitats in Southwestern Louisiana.
The plants were propagated over the winter months and in a twist using modern technology, GPS units were used to track progress in the planting and impact of the project piloted in Cameron Parish on the coast in the spring. America’s Wetlands and Americorps volunteers lent a hand and local organizations provided resources.
The program was such a success that it attracted the attention of the local press. The 4-Hers and their work were featured on KFLY TV10 with 80,000 viewers and received coverage in three newspapers and magazines, as well as on the Louisiana State University web site. Local partners presented information on the impact of Hurricane Rita on the coastline, non-point source pollution and water run-off issues, and town beautification. In addition, students researched and disseminated six different flyers about water quality issues and also planted 40 trees in City Park. [School systems engaged youth learning about these water issues.]
For more information about this project, contact Nancy Cronan of the Calcasieu Parish Extension Office at telephone 337-475-8812 or email ncronan@agctr.lsu.edu.
This program was a REAL! 4-H grant recipient sponsored by Coca-Cola. To learn more about 4-H grant programs, click here.
Posted in category 4-H Stories at 10:33 PM