National Wildlife Federation Marks One Year Oil Spill Anniversary By Hosting Restoration Projects Throughout Coastal Louisiana

By Ben Weber, National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation’s longstanding volunteer program is working actively with agencies engaged in restoration of important wildlife habitat areas around coastal Louisiana.  For the one year anniversary of the BP oil disaster, NWF has launched a partnership with local organizations to host several restoration projects throughout coastal Louisiana.

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One of these projects is a marsh replanting in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.  Partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge System, NWF is engaging volunteers to replant native grasses in the refuge.  Over 23,000 plugs of marsh grass will be planted, reconnecting fragmented areas of marsh which have begun converting to open water.  The restoration project will improve both wildlife habitat and water quality in this important nature area.  During phase one of the project (April 15-16), 11,500 plugs of marsh grass were put in the ground.  The remaining 11,500 plants will be planted during phase two (May 27-28).

Despite rough weather, volunteers hailing from Texas, Alabama, California, and Louisiana successfully completed phase one of the restoration project.  “The photos speak for themselves,” said Ben Weber, NWF’s Oil Spill Response Coordinator for the Western Gulf.  “But it’s worth noting that the replanting was very difficult and mucky work!”  Photos from phase one of the Bayou Sauvage marsh restoration project can be seen here and here.

Volunteers are still needed for phase two (May 27-28) of the marsh restoration.  Check out the event website to learn how you can help.