Delta Dispatches: Reconnecting the River (Parishes)

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Delta Dispatches: Reconnecting the River (Parishes)

Listen Now: In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses the importance of restoring Louisiana’s coast with guests Brad Miller, Project Manager at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. Brad Miller delves into the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project, emphasizing its significance and historical background. Kristi Trail discusses various initiatives by Pontchartrain Conservancy, including the FLOWS and CORE programs, which aim to enhance local education and resilience in communities. The …

Delta Dispatches: Celebrating 200 Episodes

Listen Now: In the 200th episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz celebrates this milestone by welcoming special guests to discuss the crucial work of restoring Louisiana’s coast. Simone is joined by Charles Sutcliffe, the resilience climate and coastal policy specialist for the National Wildlife Federation, who talks about his extensive experience in coastal policy and resilience. The episode also introduces Donnie Davidson, the new Science Policy Research Fellow. Finally, making a nostalgic return, former co-host Jacques Hebert reflects on …

Delta Dispatches: Revitalizing the Bayou Region

Listen Now:  In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses the importance of coastal restoration in Louisiana’s Bayou Region with Bren Haas, Program Director at Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), and Jennifer Armand, Executive Director of the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF). Bren talks about his role at BTNEP, the organization’s work in water quality and habitat preservation, and their upcoming events including the White Boot Gala. Jennifer highlights the community’s resilience in the face of disasters like …

Delta Dispatches Reflecting on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Listen Now:  In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, reflects on the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of coastal restoration for Louisiana. Simone interviews Jessica Dandridge, Executive Director of the New Orleans Water Collaborative, who discusses the impact of these storms on her life. They also talk about the upcoming NOLA Water Week. In the second half, Simone chats with Sidney Coffee, former chair of …

Delta Dispatches: From Plans to Projects

Listen Now: In this episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone talks with Allie Olsonoski of the Environmental Defense Fund and Katie Freer from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) about the importance of the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan and the development process of the upcoming 2029 Plan. Allie discusses her work tracking priority projects within the MRD coalition, while emphasizing the importance of community relationships. Katie shares insights on the origins and goals of the Coastal Master Plan, how it …

Delta Dispatches: Caring for Coastal Communities

Listen Now: In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts, featuring conversations with Charles Allen and Arthur Johnson. Charles Allen, Community Engagement Director with Audubon Delta, recounts his extensive experience advocating for coastal restoration and community involvement in Louisiana’s environmental initiatives. Arthur Johnson, CEO of the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED), shares insights into the organization’s history and its ongoing work in community engagement and environmental education. Together, they …

Delta Dispatches: Back to the Bayou

Listen Now: In the return episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz is joined by Dr. Alisha Renfro and Steve Cochran to discuss Louisiana’s coast, its people, wildlife and jobs, and why restoring it matters. Today we explore the ecological, economic, and community significance of the Louisiana’s coast and the challenges and implications following the state’s decision not to move forward with the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion.

Delta Dispatches: See Ya Later, Alligator

Listen Now: In today’s episode of Delta Dispatches, we say goodbye to host Jacques Hebert, who leaves the show, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition to become the Communication Director for the McKnight Foundation. We’re joined by several special guests (Chip Kline, Bren Haase, Steve Caparotta, and Steve Cochran) to reflect on 194 episodes of Delta Dispatches and the incalculable contributions Jacques has made to the restoration of Louisiana’s coast. Join us in wishing Jacques good luck in …

Delta Dispatches: From Headwaters to the (Delta) Dispatches

Listen Now: Today’s episode explores the other end of the Mighty Mississippi by welcoming Trevor Russell, Water Program Director with Friends of the Mississippi River. Based in Minnesota, Russell paints a picture of the upper river, discusses his organization’s work to enhance the health of the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities and beyond. In particular, he highlights the organization’s award-winning State of the River report, the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act they are advocating for along with the Mississippi River …

Delta Dispatches: Exploring a Living Lab on Louisiana’s Coast

Listen Now: Christopher Esposito, Ph.D., Research Scientist with The Water Institute of the Gulf, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from being an educator in a New Orleans math classroom to a leading scientist helping understand and inform coastal restoration efforts on Louisiana’s coast. Chris discusses the newly-launched Bay Denesse Living Lab Initiative, a physical site in Plaquemines Parish where scientific research is combined with active restoration, as well as other projects from coastal science to river management.

Delta Dispatches: “River Hero” Arthur J. Johnson on Community Resilience and Coastal Restoration

Listen Now: On this week’s podcast, Jacques is joined by Arthur J. Johnson, CEO, of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED). Arthur was recently recognized by the River Network for his leadership and impact on communities along the Mississippi River. Arthur discusses new programs at CSED, including glass recycling for coastal restoration and a new young leadership cohort. Arthur also reflects on the need for restoration of the MRGO Ecosystem to support people and nature …

Delta Dispatches: Paddling the Mighty Mississippi with John Ruskey

Listen Now: This week, Jacques spoke with John Ruskey, one of the most knowledgeable river guides and paddlers of the Mississippi River. John shares his life experiences gathered from over 40 years paddling the Mighty Mississippi. Tune in to learn about John’s work and how you too can experience the Mississippi firsthand!

Delta Dispatches: 2022 Hurricane Season with Steve Caparotta

Listen Now: With the start of Atlantic hurricane season, Simone and Jacques bring back one of Louisiana’s most trusted weathermen, WAFB’s Steve Caparotta, to talk about storm season, how to stay prepared and his new podcast Coast and Climate.

Delta Dispatches: Storm Sweep 2022 with Kristi Trail

With summer fast approaching, Jacques and Simone (united once again!) sit down with Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC). Kristi is excited to be in person with events again and PC has plenty of ways to get involved! They’ve got ongoing volunteer opportunities, the Lighthouse Museum is open again for tours, and this weekend they’re hosting their annual Storm Sweep, which kicks off this Saturday, May 28th! Be prepared this hurricane season at https://scienceforourcoast.org/stormsweep2022/.   Listen Now:

Delta Dispatches: The 2022 Coastal Stewardship Awards

This week Simone is joined by James Karst, Communication Director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) to talk about all their exciting work in 2022 including next week’s Coastal Stewardship Awards, which honors individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary commitment to our coast. Later in the episode, Simone is joined by three of this year’s winners ( Raegan Creppell, Jonathan Foret and Genie Ardoin) who are being recognized for their tremendous work to help coastal communities recover from Hurricane …