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A Muddy Affair
When Hurricane Katrina hit, many of Louisiana’s beautiful natural resources were destroyed from the addition of salt water and force of the wind. The America Wetlands Conservation Corps helps restore Louisiana’s wetlands by planting vegetation, organizing community clean-ups and educating volunteers and community members of the importance of the wetlands.
Louisiana’s wetlands protect oil and gas infrastructure from being exposed to Gulf conditions. As they are uncovered, the potential for damaging oil spills increases. The wetlands also provide protection for residents of southern Louisiana. Every three miles of wetlands prevent one foot of storm surge.
Volunteers from Camp Restore hopped on a couple of pontoon boats and rode into the marsh to plant a special type of marsh grass in a swamp to help restore it to its original condition. “I experienced so much that touched my heart,” says the group leader from Union Baptist Church in Connecticut on their blog. “The sharing of stories, the Cajun Jambalaya prepared by Mr. Wade, and the beauty of the marsh that God called us to help him re-establish.”
Holding a blade of grass, Sian Winters explains how to properly plant it in the mud.
The group gets organized into their boats.
Three volunteers ready to get muddy!
Volunteers discover the best way to travel without sinking into the mud: crawling on your belly.
The group comes in after a successful day.