CoastalRoots: Student Wetland Restoration Project

Students in nine Louisiana junior high and high schools have begun a project to restore some wetland vegetation as part of their study of wetland restoration and conservation issues. The project goals - to stimulate stewardship of natural resources and provide an active learning situation to explore strategies for sustaining coastal ecosystems - are being met through classroom and field activities.

      Nurseries established in the schools produce native wetland plants for annual planting. In the fall, students managing these nurseries gather black mangrove, bald cypress, and wax myrtle seed from the wild, plant and tend them through the spring growth cycle. The largest and sturdiest seedlings are then planted in the following fall, and the cycle is repeated. During the study, students keep track of germination and growth rates, water and fertilization regimens. "It gives students a way to restore or conserve wetlands in their own communities," says David Bourgeois, Sea Grant Marine Agent in Lafourche Parish.

      Experts from LSU's Department of Horticulture, the Louisiana Cooperative extension Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service's golden Meadow Plant Materials Research Center provide advice and counsel. Louisiana Students are joining students across the US in similar projects such as Tampa BayWatch's Salt Marsh Grass Nursery Program Spartina alterniflora nursery), Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Bay Grasses in Classes (wild celery seedling nursery) and Maryland Sea Grant's Aquaculture in Action (native fish nursery).  For information about Coastal Roots, contact Dr. Pam Blanchard, Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, 225/ 578-1558, PamB@lsu.edu.