Louisiana coast may gain protection as volunteers replant wetlands

Volunteers and conservation groups are planting native cypress and tupelo trees to restore wetlands around New Orleans; organizers report progress toward a roughly 30,000-tree goal and say key plantings should finish by next year.

Volunteers and conservation groups are planting native trees in wetlands near New Orleans to rebuild a natural barrier against storms. Much of that barrier was lost after Hurricane Katrina, and saltwater intrusion tied to earlier engineering projects damaged freshwater forests. Organizers report that collective funding and lower salinity have enabled wider planting and that they expect to complete major planting work by next year. Key points: - Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and earlier engineering changes, including the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal (MRGO), contributed to wetland loss and allowed saltwater to reach freshwater ecosystems. - Several local organizations formed a reforestation collective and have planted thousands of native trees; the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana has planted about 10,000 of its 15,000-tree quota. - The collective aims for roughly 30,000 trees across multiple sites and says remaining plantings are scheduled to be finished by next year. Summary: Restoration work is intended to rebuild protective wetlands, create wildlife habitat, and reduce coastal exposure to storm surge. Organizers report measurable progress toward a shared tree-planting goal and a timeline to complete key plantings by next year.