30,000 Trees Planted in Louisiana to Restore Hurricane Katrina Damage

The new trees aim to rebuild the natural barrier devastated by the 2005 hurricane.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In the calm waters behind a pumping station near Lake Borgne, hundreds of newly planted saplings stand out in the mist, wrapped in protective sleeves. This is part of an effort to plant 30,000 trees in Louisiana to restore the natural barrier that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Why it matters

The coastal forests and wetlands of Louisiana serve as a critical natural defense against hurricanes, helping to absorb storm surge and wind damage. Restoring these habitats is crucial for protecting communities in the region from future extreme weather events.

The details

The tree-planting project is being led by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, a nonprofit organization focused on coastal restoration. The new trees, which include bald cypress and live oak species, will help rebuild the natural levee system that was damaged by Katrina's powerful winds and flooding.

  • The tree-planting effort began in February 2026.
  • Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana coast in August 2005.

The players

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

A nonprofit organization focused on restoring the coastal habitats of Louisiana.

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What’s next

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana plans to continue the tree-planting effort over the next several years, with the goal of establishing a robust and resilient coastal forest system.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the importance of investing in nature-based solutions to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.