Help Common Ground Relief plant marsh grasses in Southeast Louisiana! Each week, we will plant 1,500 - 2,500 plugs of grass in locations vulnerable to erosion and land loss. These plantings are part of a series of 10 total marsh grass plantings completed annually in the Southeast Louisiana portion of the COASTAL REVEGETATION PROGRAM. Led by staff and board from Louisiana Dept. Ag and Forestry, host Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and New-Orleans-based nonprofit Common Ground Relief.
Why plant marsh grasses? Living shoreline marsh grass plantings protect erosion banks, build aquatic habitat, and build new land. Southeast Louisiana faces many threats that drive land loss and other health and environmental challenges (unchecked industrial development, invasive species, sea level rise, subsidence, and storms). Land loss threatens our food, our culture, our homes, our water, and our wildlife. We need healthy wetlands for storm protection, food, recreation, and so much more. We plant marsh grasses to build relationships with each other, build relationships with our local wetlands, create healthier ecosystems around us, and enjoy being outside. Come along!
Group Leaders: Charlotte Clarke, Common Ground Relief 978-505-9989. Josh Benitez, Common Ground Relief 504-810-8801. Kenny Bohnsack, Louisiana Dept. of Ag and Forestry.
COMPLETE THIS WAIVER IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. You will also need to sign an additional LDAF waiver in person.
We will be out IN the water and IN the mud planting these grasses, so if that is out of your comfort zone but would still like to volunteer in some capacity, please reach out with your concerns and we will accommodate you. You do not necessarily need to know how to swim since water should be no deeper than waist-deep and we have life jackets available for use during the project.
Sites may be located throughout Southeast Louisiana -- car required to travel to site but we can arrange to carpool with you if you send us a message. Boats will be used to access planting location. Shift times include drive time from New Orleans.
You'll bring:
- Comfortable clothes you don't mind walking/swimming in mud in, layers for variety of weather possibilities. Even in hot weather, lightweight long sleeves and pants are most protective in the marsh.
- Lightweight but sturdy footwear: close-toed shoes with a sole and extremely secure foot attachment are essential. Shoes will be completely covered in mud and water during project but can be rinsed off. Old sneakers are best. NO crocs or flip flops. Rubber boots will over-top.
- Towel and change of clothes for a comfortable car ride home
- Lunch and lots of water
- Sun screen and bug spray
- Sun hat and sunglasses
We'll bring:
- Gloves, life jackets, other PPE
- Water cooler to refill bottles, and extra snacks
- Extra water, sun screen, bug spray, and first aid
- Plants and project supplies
Exact locations, event times, and further details will be sent upon registration, tentative schedule is listed below.
Weds March 29th – Happy Jack. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8am - 3pm.
Tues April 4th – Big Branch. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8am - 3pm.
Tues April 11th – Verret. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8:30pm - 4pm.
Tues May 2nd – Clovelly Marsh. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8:30pm - 4pm.
Tues May 9th – Theriot Terraces. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8:30pm - 4pm.
Weds May 17th – Pontchartrain. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8am - 3pm.
Tues May 30th – Mosquito Bight. Leave NOLA 7am, plant 8am - 3pm.
Email volunteer@commongroundrelief.org with questions and we hope to see you out there!
