Dear Friends,

Well, the 2022 Hurricane Season has arrived. It’s always a difficult time of year here in Louisiana, where so many of us are still struggling with damage from previous years’ storms. Land Trust easements have not escaped damage… our properties at Maurepas Swamp and Cherokee Beach were heavily impacted by Ida, and mitigation bank owners across the coast have been hard at work restoring their properties’ native ecology, all while contending with major storms. Every time June comes back around, these realities are fresh on our minds.

We Can Make Our State Stronger By Protecting Land

The good news is, the work we do to protect Louisiana lands and waters is CRUCIAL for building protection from storms and floods. We have been active in a few key areas to build up our native defenses, so that Louisiana communities are protected:

• Identifying flood plain properties to place under conservation, so that they can do their job of holding water (instead of being cut and paved over for development.)
• Preserving property in strategic places, like the New Orleans Landbridge – where our easement on Nine Mile Island serves as a “speed bump” for storms heading towards the Northshore.
• Working with property owners to create mitigation banks on their lands. These projects typically involve reforestation efforts, which is important for saving homes and habitats from wind and water.

Here’s How You Can Help

We’re going to be talking about hurricanes, conservation, and protecting our state all through the month of June. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to be part of the conversation – because we want to hear from YOU.

Why is it important to you to #ProtectLouisiana? This summer, we want to see pictures of the natural places you love. When we enjoy and invest in preserving nature, we are actively protecting our communities against a changing climate and increasingly heavy storms. Share your pictures with us by tagging them with #ProtectLouisiana, and let’s talk about why conserving these special places is so crucial for our future.

Finally, you can make a difference by donating to the Land Trust. EVERY dollar we receive goes towards our work to preserve Louisiana’s natural legacy for future generations to enjoy. We’re truly thankful for each and every one of you and your support of our efforts to #ProtectLouisiana!    

For the love of land and waters,

Cindy Brown
Executive Director
Land Trust for Louisiana