Thanks to a three-year grant from the USDA Forest Service and support from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, The Nature Conservancy has launched Treesilience in Louisiana. The Louisiana Treesilience Program (LTP) represents a collaborative initiative designed to address the barriers to resilient canopy in frontline communities located in Louisiana’s southeastern and southwestern parishes hit hardest by the 2020 and 2021 storm seasons.
 
Hurricanes taking place in 2020 and 2021, especially Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida (both Category 4 storms and some of the strongest to make landfall in Louisiana) caused billions of dollars in damage in a 22-parish region that includes New Orleans, Lake Charles, Houma, Thibodaux and other smaller communities. Some of that damage included a massive loss of forest canopy, a key front-line defense for urban areas in the face of severe weather.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Louisiana Treesilience program and how your community might benefit, contact Amanda Takacs at [email protected]. Or use the form below!

Treesilience Louisiana is also working closely with Louisiana State Parks to restore native habitats and canopy in several state parks across the state that were damaged in hurricanes.

Sam Houston Jones State Park
Currently, 17 acres of forested land is being prepared for Longleaf Pine restoration.  The area is being cleared of understory vegetation and prepared for longleaf plantings this winter.

Fairview-Riverside State Park
At this popular camping destination, over 80 trees will be planted amongst the recreational areas to restore lost canopy and help shelter campers from the sun and elements.

Contact us to learn more about how you can volunteer or learn more about these projects.

Site preparation at Sam Houston Jones State Park for Longleaf Pine Restoration

Open campground area at Fairview-Riverside State Park that will recieve trees through LA Treesilience.

community focus

Treesilience funding in Louisiana is focused on public lands in urban areas where community trees make a large impact on neighborhood health and wellness.  Municipalities, parishes, schools, HOA's and others which oversee public lands are encouraged to apply. 

©Devan King/TNC

Click Here to Learn More About Louisiana Treesilience and How to Apply