Louisiana Coast Fortified with 30,000 New Trees Over 4 Years

Environmental groups work to restore wetlands and natural barriers around New Orleans to protect against worsening storms

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a major reforestation effort, environmental groups in Louisiana have planted over 30,000 bald cypress and water tupelo trees across the wetlands around New Orleans over the past 4 years. The goal is to restore the natural barrier of wetlands and forests that was lost after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, in order to help shield the city from future storms. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to plant the saplings, which will grow to create habitat, hold the soil in place, and provide a natural defense against storm surges.

Why it matters

The loss of Louisiana's coastal wetlands and forests has left the New Orleans area increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes and other severe weather. This large-scale reforestation project aims to rebuild that natural barrier, which can absorb storm energy, prevent erosion, and provide important ecological benefits. It's part of a broader effort to make the region more resilient in the face of climate change and worsening storms.

The details

Over the past 4 years, environmental groups like the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Common Ground Relief, and the Meraux Foundation have worked together as the Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective to plant over 30,000 native trees across wetland sites around New Orleans. The trees, including bald cypress and water tupelo, are being planted in areas that were degraded by saltwater intrusion and the impacts of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers have traveled by airboat to remote sites, bringing supplies and equipment to get the saplings in the ground. The goal is for the trees' roots to help hold the soil and land in place as sea levels rise, while also creating valuable habitat and a natural barrier against future storms.

  • The reforestation effort began around 2009, shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
  • Over the past 5 years, the Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective has accelerated the planting, aiming to reach their 30,000-tree goal by next year.

The players

Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective

A coalition of environmental groups working together on the large-scale reforestation project around New Orleans.

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

One of the key organizations in the Collective, having planted around 10,000 of the 30,000 total trees so far.

Common Ground Relief

A local environmental group that is part of the Collective and has been involved in the tree-planting efforts.

Meraux Foundation

A partner organization in the Collective that has helped coordinate and fund the reforestation work.

Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development

Another group in the Collective that has contributed to the tree-planting project.

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What they’re saying

“We're one part of a larger movement to resist this sort of 'doomerism' mindset, and to show that recovery is possible.”

— Christina Lehew, Executive Director, Common Ground Relief (ksgf.com)

“In our wildest dreams we never thought we'd be able to plant some of the areas that we are now planting.”

— Blaise Pezold, Coastal and Environmental Program Director, Meraux Foundation (ksgf.com)

“It still affects everybody that went through it, and … it changed us all. I mean, we had our lives ripped out from underneath us in a day.”

— Ashe Burke, Wetlands Restoration Specialist, Common Ground Relief (ksgf.com)

“That brings a little bit of joy to my heart that they're actually inspired by what we're doing. So maybe they could come back or maybe they have some reason to live in New Orleans.”

— Rollin Black, Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective plans to complete their goal of planting 30,000 trees by next year, with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana finishing their 15,000-tree quota by that time.

The takeaway

This large-scale reforestation effort is a critical part of rebuilding Louisiana's natural coastal defenses against worsening storms. By restoring the wetlands and forests that were lost, the project aims to make the New Orleans region more resilient in the face of climate change and protect the community from future disasters like Hurricane Katrina.