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Coastal Heroes
Louisiana’s coast is one of the most vibrant, threatened ecosystems in the United States — and Plaquemines Parish is at the heart of the effort to protect it. This page is dedicated to the organizations working tirelessly to restore wetlands, strengthen coastal communities, and safeguard our future.
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL)
CRCL is training the next generation of coastal leaders, hosting the largest-ever State of the Coast conference in 2023, and leading restoration efforts across Louisiana. Their vision includes:
- Vibrant wetlands that protect from hurricanes
- Thriving ecosystems and economic opportunity
- Large-scale restoration including sediment diversions to rebuild land
Plaquemines Projects:
- Plaquemines Community Reef (2021): 150 tons of oyster shell restored 300 ft of reef near an Indigenous mound site.
- Grand Bayou Indian Village Reef (2024): 200 tons of shell restored 400 ft of reef to protect a residential area.
- Partners include tribal leaders, non-profits, recyclers, industry leaders, and conservation groups.
Louisiana Sea Grant
Louisiana Sea Grant, part of the national Sea Grant network, addresses critical marine and coastal challenges through education, science, and collaboration. They work closely with Plaquemines Parish to support:
- Fisheries and seafood industry resilience
- Wetland and land-loss education
- Hands-on programs for students, including fishing and marine biology
- Sea Grant Extension Agents living in coastal areas, connecting communities to university research
Restore the Mississippi River Delta
This coalition advocates for large-scale restoration projects that mimic the natural function of the Mississippi River. Their work supports:
Common Ground Relief (CGR)
CGR blends environmental restoration with community service. From their base in the Lower 9th Ward, they work in:
- Wetland restoration and native plant propagation
- Environmental education and outreach
- Community support, including running a local food pantry
- Operating a native plant nursery since 2009, growing bald cypress and other regionally adapted species
Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP)
BTNEP is devoted to the preservation and restoration of the 4.2-million-acre Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary — a region that includes much of Plaquemines Parish. Their mission spans:
- Science-based restoration
- Public education and outreach
- Cultural preservation and community collaboration
Delta Discovery Tours
Based at the southernmost reach of the Great River Road, Delta Discovery Tours takes visitors deep into the Mississippi River Delta on traditional Louisiana fishing boats. Their 6-passenger tours are sought out by artists, chefs, scientists, and journalists from around the world. But they're more than just tour guides — they are active stewards of the land. Delta Discovery Tours has planted over 50,000 native trees in Plaquemines Parish, playing a critical role in reforestation and coastal restoration.
Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in protecting the wetlands that protect us. Their work restores ecosystems, preserves local traditions, and builds a stronger, more resilient coast for generations to come. Explore their work. Support their missions. And discover how you can help save Louisiana’s coast.
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