"Creating a Legacy"
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"Creating a Legacy"
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April 2008 Spring Wetland Tree Planting
On April 08, twenty-nine volunteers from Louisiana to California gathered at Woodlands Trail and Park for a wetland tree planting project along the Naval Ammunition Depot trail. During March, volunteers spent hundreds of hours preparing the site that had not been maintained likely long before the military officially dedicated the property to Plaquemines Parish Government in 1963. In addition to providing shirts and gloves for all volunteers, Chevron provided over one hundred native trees from the Chevron Tree Farm located in City Park. Thanks to Eddie Martin of Martin's Gardening Center, the trees were kept on an irrigation drip while awaiting the planting day. March, 2008 California State University Channel Islands Returns for Second Assessment of Invasive Species
Over 1000 Spring Break Volunteer Hours Help Restore Peaceful Escape
March Madness Begins! Team Leaders Help Channel Spring break Energy
December, 2007 3rd Woodlands Trail Classic Slated for December 30
The Woodlands Trail Classic - 5K and 1-mile Fun Run family event will be held at Woodlands Trail and Park at 449 F. Edward Hebert Blvd. in Belle Chasse on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 8 a.m. Following the jump start on the New Year, participants will be entertained by the music of “The Stargeezers” while enjoying refreshments donated for the fundraising event by Algiers Kiwanis Morning Edition, Boomtown Casino, Meme’s Café and Catering, Whole Foods Market and Woodland Plantation. Unique awards to be given to winning participants in a variety of age groups were designed by Debbie Kraemer of DK Clay. In addition to unique awards, lots of random prizes will be distributed. Sponsors for the 3rd Annual Woodlands Trail Classic include Ochsner Medical Center, Chevron Oronite, Jon and Barbara Khachaturian, Venice Port Complex, Wal-Mart Foundation, West Jeff Fitness Center, West Jefferson Medical Center and Whitney National Bank. Numerous in-kind sponsors provided items for goody bags, random prizes and other essential items to contribute to the success of the fund raising event.
November, 2007
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| Woodlands Trail and Park and Partners Receive the National Coastal America Partnership Award in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. | Robert DeHaan, DOT, presents Coastal America Award and letter of commendation from President George Bush to Katie Brasted, Woodlands Trail and Park | Robert DeHaan, DOT, presents Coastal America Award to Councilwoman Lynda Banta, Plaquemines Parish Government, assisted by John Bowie, EPA and announced by Virginia Tippie, Director, Coastal America | Woodlands Trail and Park Board members pose with Coastal America Partnership Award | Dr. Robert Stewart, ULL speaks about the value of woodlands trail and park "as a place for people to come and see the relationship between water and forest; between water and the coastal areas and understand how important these areas become as buffers to urban areas." | Belle Chasse Primary students accompanied by their teachers, Carol Spears and Jan Rice settled along the kiosk to listen to the speakers from Washington, DC following their hike to identify native and invasive species along Woodlands Trail. |
On Wednesday, November 7, 2007, the "gumbo" coalition of local, regional and national partners that comprise the Woodlands Trail and Park Restoration Team were awarded the prestigious Coastal America Partnership Award and a letter of commendation from Laura and President George W. Bush. The event was attended by over 100 guests, including students and teachers from Belle Chasse Primary School who came early to study plants along the newly cleared trail.
Letter from Laura and President George W. Bush
October, 2007
Ron Daigrepont (front) lead an Engineering Crew (Fred Walker and "Rock" Chaisson) from Chevron Oronite to assist in setting the bridge elevations for the nonprofit organization, Woodlands Trail and Park. With funding from the Governor's Office Recreational Trails Program, the nonprofit organization is constructing bridges to connect over 6 miles of recreational trails within property in Belle Chasse dedicated as Woodlands Trail and Park Bird Sanctuary. The Woodlands organization hopes to complete the bridges and install culverts in time for the 3rd Annual Woodlands Trail Classic to be held on the nature trail on December 30, 2007. Assistance from Chevron Oronite helped provide the match for a grant from the Governor's Recreational Trails grant. Additionally, Chevron Oronite is currently the lead financial sponsor of the 3rd Annual Woodlands Trail Classic!
August, 2007
On the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, August 29, 2007, community members and area elected officials gathered at the Belle Chasse Auditorium for an evening of remembering and looking to the future. Those in attendance watched award-winning independent producer Christina Melton's Washing Away , a documentary that illustrates the connection between ever more devastating hurricane damage and Louisiana’s shrinking wetlands. Kerry St. Pe, Plaquemines Parish native and Director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program introduced the movie in which he plays a major role discussing the impact of hurricane damage and methods to combat the disappearing coastline of Plaquemines Parish. Following the movie, former Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle narrated the presentation of a study completed by Tulane City Center that demonstrates the value of preserving coastal forests such as Woodlands Trail and Park.
“Levees are not enough to protect coastal communities from powerful hurricanes” said Aaron Viles, Director Gulf Restoration Network. “Natural storm defenses, such as wetlands, coastal forests, and barrier islands, are essential to the survival of these vibrant Gulf Coast communities yet every 35 minutes we lose a football field’s worth of wetlands to erosion.” Wetlands, barrier islands and cypress forest are an essential buffer zone between powerful storms and the humans and wildlife that reside along the Gulf Coast but these natural defenses are disappearing.
May, 2007
On May 11,
2007, Woodlands Trail and Park's
efforts in "Creating a Legacy" for future generations were honored by the
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. Woodlands Trail and
Park Board Members, Katie Brasted, Carol Osborne Cowley and Paul Richard were
present at a banquet held at the LSU Faculty Club in Baton Rouge to accept the
Coastal Stewardship Award for "preserving, protecting and celebrating the
natural beauty and cultural treasures within a 10,000-acre peninsula in the
Metropolitan New Orleans area." CRCL’s Board Chairman, Woody Crews, presented
this prestigious award that came in the form of a hand-carved Egret.
Woodlands Trail and Park was nominated for the award by Edgar Veillon, Louisiana
Wildlife Federation, Representative to the National Wildlife Federation.
Plaquemines Parish Councilwoman Lynda Banta attended the event with Woodlands Trail and Park Board members and guests. Woodlands Trail and Park’s smart growth regional efforts have gained increased National attention during the past several months following the award for the 2006 Conservation Organization of the Year from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation. With the support of partners, Algiers Economic Development Foundation and Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the organization was nominated for the Preserve America Award and has recently received notice of nomination for the Coastal America Award by Doug Meffert, Deputy Director, Tulane/Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research.
April 2007
University of Louisiana Lafayette students studying under the direction of Dr. Barbara Benson, Department of Renewable Resources, returned to Woodlands Trail in April 2007 to begin construction on a interpretive Kiosk. During a visit in March 2007 to conduct site assessments for parking areas, an interpretive center and other potential project amenities, the students empathically suggested that they be allowed to come up with a hands-on, permanent project to help the Woodlands Trail move forward. They settled on the construction of an interpretive Kiosk near a grouping of ten World War II Ammunition Magazines along Woodlands Trail in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Travis Trahan, a student in Dr. Benson’s class, secured donations for the construction project from Lowe’s Home Improvement in Lafayette. He organized all necessary tools and supplies necessary to function in the forest without electricity. The students are preparing interpretive materials to post on the Kiosk to inform others of the history of the former Naval Ammunition Depot Property.
(back, left to right) Rhett Hebert, Joshua Brumfield, Justin Lemaire, (center, left to right) Ty Guidry, Gabriel Giraldo, Andrea Venable, Jeanne Lestell, Dr. Barbara Benson, Cody Oliver, (front, left to right) Ben Dabadie, Rusty Laviolette
March 2007
In what seemed to Woodlands Trail and Park as something not too short of a miracle, Dr. Sean Anderson and his fifteen students in Environmental Science and Resource Management from California State University Channel Islands arrived at the Woodlands site on March 23rd to conduct an invasive species survey. Woodlands Trail and Park learned of the arrival of the students in need of a Service/Learning Project from an email forwarded by Brenda Puckett, Hands of Hope in Belle Chasse. After seven months of searching for a group with these specialized skills, Woodlands Trail and Park found the chances of such an offer almost too good to be true. The students who were coming to New Orleans to study Wetland Restoration and Management were committed to spending a portion of their time “giving something positive back to the community” said Dr. Sean Anderson of CSUCI. The program at CSUCI places an emphasis on integrative approaches, experimental and service learning to prepare students for on-site work after graduation.
After Hurricane Katrina removed the canopy from the forest, there has been an increased growth of invasive vegetation, particularly on the outer edges of the property dedicated as Woodlands Trail and Park Bird Sanctuary. Seven months ago, Woodlands Trail and Park launched a collaborative effort with ConocoPhillips, a long-time corporate friend, and consultation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Orleans Audubon, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and other partners to develop a plan for assessment, treatment and follow-up to tackle the growth of invasive species. This collaboration resulted in the submission of a grant proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in an attempt to obtain funds to assist with carrying out the plan. The NFWF has asked for a full proposal. In addition to matching funds, the Woodlands group was in need of an organization to conduct the baseline assessment and develop the protocol for post-treatment and follow-up. Long-term plans include an educational component to work with area students in identifying native and invasive species and participating in future restoration activities. The arrival of the CSUCI students has given the Woodlands group the long awaited opportunity to move forward with the full proposal. Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program has agreed to assist Woodlands in organizing the full proposal.
Dr. Sean Anderson (center) and his students in Environmental Science and Resource Management from California State University Channel Islands pause for a picture after two days of conducting a Native and Invasive Plant survey at Woodlands Trail and Park in Belle Chasse.
Gonzales, Louisiana. Woodlands Trail and Park was honored as the Conservation Organization of the Year 2006 at the 43rd Recognition Banquet of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF). Conservation groups, sportsmen, environmentalists and natural resource management professionals from throughout Louisiana convened at the Holiday Inn in Gonzales for LWF's 68th Annual Convention Conference. Don Dubuc, Master of Ceremonies for the event, described the accomplishments of Woodlands Trail and Park that earned its recognition by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation for "outstanding contributions to the wise use and management of Louisiana's Natural Resources". Mary Enright nominated the organization.
Dubuc introduced the organization's award by describing the organization's history and accomplishments. "Currently recognized as one of three American Heritage Rivers Initiative “Keystone” projects for Louisiana, [Woodlands Trail and Park] has worked over the past eight years to unite the river communities of
Orleans and Plaquemines Parish with a series of educational, recreational and historical greenways in one of Southeastern Louisiana's last stands of bottomland hardwoods. Woodlands Trail and Park is a nonprofit, 501-C-3 organization that began as a ambitious grassroots regional effort in 1997 to plan for smart growth while preserving, protecting and celebrating the natural beauty and cultural treasures within a 10,000-acre peninsula in the Metropolitan New Orleans area. The area’s beauty stems from the natural characteristics of water flowing inward from the river and forming a natural basin for the collection of water and thus creating the habitat for wetland flora and fauna.(left to right) Terry Melancon, President of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Woodlands Trail and Park Board Members, Paul Richard, Katie Brasted, Clayton White, Hank Willie, Carol Osborne Cowley, Benny Rousselle and Dr. Earl Matthew, Region 8 Director of the National Wildlife Federation.
February 2007
| ULL Senior Students in Naturalist and Docent Practices receive an overview of elements of the Environmental Assessment completed for Woodlands Trail and Park | Drr. Barbara Benson holds the tape measure in place for marking boundaries of a Potential Interpretive Center for Woodlands while her students record GPS coordinates to transfer to maps the students will prepare for Woodlands. | While taking a "break" from work along Woodlands Trail, students decide to restore the flow of water from the drainage ditch into Plantar's Canal. After clearing massive storm debris, the water line on the nearby trees dropped 15 inches. | University of Louisiana Lafayette Students in Naturalist and Docent Practices pause for a picture along the Intracoastal Canal in Lower Coast Algiers after a weekend of conducting site assessments for potential amenities along Woodlands Trail - America's Wetland Birding Trail. |
Dr. Barbara Benson and her University of Louisiana Lafayette students in Naturalist and Docent Practices have committed their assistance to Woodland Trail and Park for the Spring Semester. During the previous year, ULL students got "real life" experience with GPS equipment by helping to identify the trails following Hurricane Katrina. This semester students are focusing on one of the next steps for Woodlands; that of conducting site assessments for parking areas and a potential Interpretive Center.
In recognition of World Wetlands Day on Friday, February 2nd, Woodlands Trail and Park board members unveiled the new design for Mignon Faget-Woodlands Trail and Park Palmetto Earrings at Jeff’s Haberdashery. Brasted expressed appreciation to ConocoPhillips, a long-time corporate sponsor, for underwriting the current Palmetto design. Gratitude was also expressed to Jeff Chouest who joined Woodlands Trail and Park in "Creating a Legacy" for future generations by selling the Palmetto jewelry in both his store in Aurora Village on the West Bank and on the East Bank on Severn. Betsy Brien, Public Affairs Director for ConocoPhillips, attended the event to emphasize the company’s support for the regional effort of Woodlands Trail and Park to establish greenways and trails in the peninsula formed by Orleans and Plaquemines Parish. Brasted acknowledged that it is such partnerships of nonprofit organizations, corporations such as ConocoPhillips, family businesses such as Jeff’s Haberdashery and governmental agencies working together that will bring quality of life efforts such as Woodlands Trail and Park to fruition. The Palmetto earrings are being sold now through May, America’s Wetlands month at a below retail cost.
December 2006
Despite
heavy rainfall for the days preceding the 2nd Annual Woodlands Trail
Classic, the event was a grand success!
132 individuals registered to participate in the New
Year’s Eve event held on Woodlands Trail in Belle Chasse. McDonalds, General DeGaulle arrived early
to provide breakfast before the race. Following the race, participants
listened to music provided by "The Stargeezers" and enjoyed food and
beverages provided by Abita Brewing, Algiers Kiwanis Morning Edition, Boomtown
Casino and Whole Foods. Benny Rousselle and Katie Brasted gave out 35
awards in various categories. The unique awards were created by Debbie
Kraemer of DK Clay and Pottery on Magazine Street. Debbie utilized the
shape of the upper portion of the Barataria-Terrebonne Basin to serve as the
background of the award and thus representing the regional focus of Woodlands
Trail and Park. The center of the
award contained the Palmetto, a plant common to the understory in the bottomland
hardwood forest. The 2nd Annual Woodlands
Trail Classic was presented by ConocoPhilips and sponsored by West Jefferson
Fitness Center, Freeport-McMoRan, Chevron Oronite, Fidelity Homestead,
Computers, Communication & Controls.
Despite the rustic conditions of the trail, race organizers received nothing but
positive feedback of the experience such as a comment from Mark Schafer, Baton
Rouge participant, “we had a blast, nothing like we have ever ran in before.
We are looking forward to making it an annual run for us”.
November 2006
Woodlands Trail and Park, currently recognized as one of three American Heritage Rivers Initiative "Keystone" projects for Louisiana, was nominated for the Preserve America Presidential Award by the Board of Directors of Algiers Economic Development Foundation. The mission of AEDF is to "foster, coordinate, and advance economic growth through industrial, commercial and tourism development and help retain existing business: To protect and encourage residential development and to promote civic pride and awareness of Algiers". According to AEDF President, Glenn Orgeron, "Woodlands Trail and Park meshes with that mission to increase tourism while maintaining the quality of life elements that Fortune 500 Company executives evaluate when making decision about relocating to a new community".
Laura Bush helped to start Preserve America, a national program to protect our cultural and natural heritage. The program recognizes efforts across the nation to encourage Americans to get involved in preserving main streets, parks, and community heritage treasures. According to Woodlands Trail and Park President, Katie Brasted, "Plaquemines Parish has demonstrated its passion and pride in Louisiana's natural and historic treasures by its longstanding support of Woodlands Trail and Park through resolutions and ordinances beginning with the first presentation of the project in 2001". When Councilwoman Lynda Banta heard of the nomination of the Preserve America Presidential award, she insisted on introducing a resolution supporting the nomination by AEDF. The resolution passed by the Plaquemines Parish Council proclaimed support for Woodlands Trail and Park's nomination "in view of the longstanding dedication of [Woodlands Trail and Park] to form a coalition of local, regional and national partnerships with governmental entities, private citizens and corporations to preserve, protect and celebrate our priceless and natural heritage". The nomination packet also included supporting letters by Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle and Senator David Vitter.
Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle (left) and Councilwoman Lynda Banta (right) present a Certified Council Resolution supporting Woodlands Trail and Park's nomination for the Preserve America Presidential Award to President of Woodlands Trail and Park, Katie Brasted (center)
September 2006
During the Plaquemines Area Business and Industry luncheon at Woodland Plantation on Wednesday, September 13, 2006, founding members of Woodlands Trail and Park, Katie Brasted (left) and Plaquemines Parish President, Benny Rousselle, (right) presented Governor Kathleen Blanco (center) with a Mignon Faget Palmetto Pin in recognition of her long-standing support of Woodlands Trail and Park’s regional greenway efforts. The Woodlands organization noted that they were anxious to move forward with the execution of the awards received from the Governor's Office of Community Programs in 2003 and 2005. Proceeds from the exclusive Mignon Faget Palmetto pendants and lapel pins benefit the nonprofit organization, Woodlands Trail and Park in expanding greenway corridors in one of Southeastern Louisiana’s last stands of bottomland hardwoods. Brasted noted that the Palmetto has been purchased by individuals in 10 parishes in Louisiana and 10 states across the nation plus Washington, DC. thereby bringing increased attention to Woodlands Trail and Park and America’s Wetlands. The Mignon Faget - Woodlands Trail and Park Palmetto is available exclusively through Woodlands Trail and Park, available on-line and locally in the New Orleans area at Jeff's Haberdashery in Village Aurora on the Westbank and on Severn in Metairie.
July 2006
(left to right) Doug Daigle, Mississippi River Basin Alliance, David Muth, Orleans Audubon Society, Betsy Brien, ConocoPhillips, John Rapp, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
Woodlands Trail and Park recently organized a hike and working lunch to get
advice from partnering organizations on the development of plans to address
the increasing growth of invasive species in the forested property dedicated
to Woodlands Trail and Park. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Chinaberry, Chinese
Tallow and Chinese Privet were identified along the edges of the Plaquemines
Parish forested property. Over 70% of the trees sustained damage during the
past hurricane season. Without the canopy of some of the old growth areas,
invasive species are beginning to flourish. Removal and
treatment of the invasives by fall will give the native species an advantage
by taking away the competition for sunlight and give them a jumpstart on
maintaining their dominant role.
Following a hike in the woods to review the extent of the damages, ConocoPhillips, a long-time corporate friend to Woodlands, sponsored a working lunch to assist in the development a grant proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. A separate hike was conducted the following week with Joan Exnicios, Army Corp of Engineers, American Heritage Rivers Initiative and Tom Campbell, Louisiana Department of Agriculture to get further input. The organizations have partnered together in the submission of a grant to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, entitled “Woodlands Invasive Species Project” to address treatment of 200-acres of forested property. Over 100 species of Neo-tropical Migratory birds and abundant wildlife depend on the native habitat for their survival. The Woodlands group is faced with raising $100,000 in order to match the requirements of the grant and implement the treatment protocol.
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June 2006
New Orleans, Louisiana. At the morning Wal-Mart staff meeting on June 02, 2006, Percy Shaw, Wal-Mapresented a Community Grant to Woodlands Trail and Park to assist in the efforts in establishing regional trails and greenways in the Lower Coast Algiers and Belle Chasse communities. Katie Brasted, President of Woodlands Trail and Park, accepted the contribution and expressed appreciation to the employees of Wal-Mart Store #1163 for their long-standing support and participation in events at the Woodlands Trail and Park site. The Wal-Mart Foundation recently provided funding for refreshments during Woodlands Trail and Park’s celebration of America’s Wetlands Month that was held in May to release the Mignon Faget Palmetto designed to bring attention to America’s Wetlands and benefit the nonprofit organization, Woodlands Trail and Park.
May 2006
At the New Orleans City Council Meeting on May 25, 2006, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the New Orleans City Council issued proclamations to Katie Brasted, President and Founder of Woodlands Trail and Park in support of “implementation of conservation efforts that will protect and improve the environment for the future well-being of our children and the wildlife we treasure”. In recognition of May being America’s Wetlands Month, Councilman-at-Large Oliver Thomas, Chairman of the Riverfront Development Committee, initiated a supporting proclamation by the New Orleans City Council. He noted that the Woodlands project provides an “economic opportunity to deal with our wetlands, ecosystem and national treasures”. After presentation of the framed proclamation by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Edgar Veillon, LWF and Representative to the National Wildlife Federation, reiterated the support for Woodlands Trail and Park’s efforts to establish greenway corridors by noting that such forested properties “are our first line of defense against hurricane winds” and that the Woodlands effort “presents a wealth of opportunities for recreation and in doing so generates millions of dollars for the state economy”. Follow link for Full Article
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| Mignon Faget describes the value of bottomland hardwood forests and the history of the Palmetto in Louisiana | Judy Jones and Patti F | Katie Brasted, Woodlands Trail and Park, expresses appreciation to Betsy B | Plaquemines Parish President, Benny Rousselle listens to the description of the plants and trees identified by students from Belle Chasse Primary School during their hike along Woodlands Trail. |
After an announcement on the
WWLTV Morning Show on Tuesday, May 02, 2006, over sixty students, teachers
and community citizens came to the Woodlands site the following day to Celebrate America’s
Wetlands Month and the progress made in re-establishing trails. The
Woodlands group expressed appreciation to Instructor Tony Danos and his
Alternative Classroom students who constructed the information Kiosk that is now
posted at the entrance to the trail.
Judy Jones and Patti Faulkner, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,
presented “Natural Areas Registry” signs to be posted within the park.and a
plaque to Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle in gratitude for
designating over 600-acres as “Woodlands Trail and Park Bird Sanctuary”.
Jan Rice and her class of first graders from Belle Chasse Primary school hiked
to the celebration and along the trails while having fun identifying plants and
trees that are native to the bottomland hardwood forest. The celebration
of America’s Wetlands Month culminated in Mignon Faget’s presentation of the
Palmetto jewelry to benefit Woodlands Trail and Park. Ms. Faget described the
early historical use of the Palmetto to create thatch roofs and its other
contributions to the early economy of Louisiana. Following the presentation,
participants enjoyed a picnic lunch provided by Chevron Oronite, Oak Point
Plant.
February 2006
Michael D. Beaver, J.D., Interim CEO for Meadowcrest Hospital and Katie Brasted chose the newly refurbished courtyard of Meadowcrest Hospital for the presentation of a contribution to Woodlands Trail and Park. Mr. Beaver expressed that the natural setting was fitting for the delivery of a contribution to Woodlands efforts to provide a quality of life amenity to the community that will provide increased opportunities for health through fitness and outdoor activities. The contribution made on behalf of the Tenet Foundation and Meadowcrest Hospital will assist the Woodlands organization in re-establishing trails in the Belle Chasse community.
New Orleans, Louisiana. Mignon Faget and Woodlands Trail and Park agreed that World Wetlands Day, 2006, with a theme of “Wetlands and water - supporting life, sustaining livelihoods” was the perfect occasion on which to announce their partnership in “Creating a Legacy” for future generations.
Mignon Faget is a highly acclaimed New Orleans legend, well known for her jewelry collections inspired by the beauty and culture of New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. The Mignon Faget design created for Woodlands Trail and Park was that of a Palmetto. Mignon Faget noted that it is the Palmetto or Sabal Minor that was chosen for the design as it is one of the most commonly seen plants in the understory of our precious bottomland hardwood forests. The jewelry to initially be produced as a pendant and a lapel pin was underwritten by ConocoPhillips, a long-time corporate sponsor of Woodlands Trail and Park and efforts in uniting the river communities of Orleans and Plaquemines Parish with a series of educational, historical and recreational greenways. Our Lady of Holy Cross College was the host site for the press-conference and celebration of World Wetlands Day. Pictured above under the live oaks on the OLHCC property are left to right, Betsy Brien, Public Affairs Specialist, ConocoPhillips, Mignon Faget presenting the Palmetto Design, Katie Brasted, Woodlands Trail and Park and Carol Cowley, Woodlands Trail and Park.
February 2006
Over 30 volunteers showed up on Woodlands Trail Work Weekend to help re-establish Woodlands Trail - America's Wetland Birding Trail. Thanks to Dr. Barbara Benson and her University of Louisiana Lafayette students, Louisiana Hiking Club and area volunteers for making this a fun and productive weekend! Special Thanks to Meme's Catering, Chevron Oronite, Oak Point Plant for providing our picnic lunch, Popeye's on Belle Chasse Hwy., Home-Depot for needed supplies and the US Coast Guard for easing our access to the trail site.
ULL Students, Louiisana Hiking Club and Volunteers take a rest ULL & LHC ponder their balance before crossing the stream ULL students listen to David Bathel, Lead Environmental
at the end of the day of re-establishing trails via fallen trees Engineer explain his activities at Chevron Oronite
Pre- Katrina
Post-Katrina
New Orleans, Louisiana. In an effort to begin recapturing Woodlands Trail-America’s Wetland Birding Trail, Woodlands Trail and Park has scheduled a work weekend at the beginning of February. Dr. Barbara Benson, professor of University of Louisiana, Lafayette, has volunteered her students in Naturalist and Docent Practices to take on the massive task of re-marking the 13.6 miles of trails within the bottomland hardwood forest in Belle Chasse. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Woodlands Trail had completed the work of marking and hand-clearing 13.6 miles of trails to be used by birdwatchers, hikers, horseback riders and other outdoor enthusiasts. The public was first given a bird’s eye view of Woodlands Trail on June 04, 2005, National Trails Day. Although the forested area provided a major wind damage protection to the surrounding residential areas during the recent hurricane season, approximately 60% of the trees have fallen in such a way to mask signs of previous trails and markings.
Navigation Electronics, Inc., Lafayette, has loaned four GPS Trimble Units and agreed to train students in their use to assist in re-staking the trail system. Students will be joined by the Louisiana Hiking Club and area volunteers to mark the trails and remove debris. The base for the organized work weekend will be at the future entrance to Woodlands Trail near the WWII Swimming Pool on F. Edward Hebert Blvd. in Belle Chasse. ULL students are arriving Friday afternoon and camping out over night to have an early start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The Louisiana Hiking Club is scheduled to arrive at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning to assist in clearing pathways. The LHC plans to camp out Saturday night and continue some trail clearing work Sunday morning.
Anyone interested in showcasing their debris removal skills or just wanting to spend some time in the great outdoors, please contact Woodlands Trail and Park at either (504) 433-4000 or at woodlandstrail@aol.com.
December 2005
The misty morning fog did nothing to dampen the spirits or attendance at the first Woodlands Trail Classic - Fun Run and 5K family event held in Belle Chasse. Participants donned New Year's party hats, courtesy of Party City, and proceeded to "Les Bon Temps Roulez" along the Mighty Mississippi River. According to members of the New Orleans Track Club, the Woodlands race had record attendance for a first time event. In addition to the over 60 individuals who pre-registered, over 100 individuals showed up on race day to register. Due to the substantial damage to Woodlands Trail, the race route was unable to include portions of Woodlands Trail-America's Wetland Birding Trail. Thanks to Tulane University's generous agreement to allow Woodlands Trail and Park to utilize their property for the race, participants were able to have a glimpse of bottomland hardwoods and WWII Ammunition Magazines that are similar in characteristic to sites to be seen along the future Woodlands Trail route. Following the race, participants and non-race participants enjoyed music by "The Stargeezers" and food and drink provided by Algiers Morning Edition Kiwanis Club, Aurora Country Club Catering, Plaquemines Historic Association, Abita Brewing Company and Corn and Crane Creative. Pictures of the Woodlands Trail Classic are available under "Events" . Thanks to Phil Casper, additional pictures can be viewed at www.ctghost.com .
The Woodlands,
Texas ----On Tuesday, November 29, 2005, the AIM Group, Inc. became the latest
sponsor of the Woodlands Trail Classic, a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
family event to be held in the Greater New Orleans area on December 31, 2005.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit organization, Woodlands Trail
and Park, in their long-standing mission to unite the river communities of
Orleans and Plaquemines parish with a series of educational, recreational and
historical greenways.
"All geographical areas require homes, bridges, roads and other basic infrastructure but without quality of life and sustainability of the environment, we won’t have livable communities", says Michael Child, "The Aim Group wants to ensure that future generations will benefit from the seeds sown today, and we want to urge others to also stand beside Woodlands Trail and Park and help them in "Creating a Legacy". AIM Group becomes sponsor of race, The Villager, December 29, 2005
November 2005
Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. received a national honor with a grant from the Kodak American Greenways Awards Program in Arlington, Virginia. Funding from Kodak will help develop trails leading to a grouping of ten WWII Ammunition Magazines nestled in the bottomland hardwood forest in Belle Chasse. In addition to the grant award, Woodlands Trail and Park will be showcased as a national model for its innovative efforts to unite the river communities of Orleans and Plaquemines Parish with a series of educational, recreational and historical greenways.
The Kodak American Greenways Awards, administered by the Conservation Fund, a recognized leader in working with local communities to expand the nation’s network of linked open spaces, providing grants to non-profit organizations and governmental agencies to help develop new action-oriented greenway projects.
Woodlands Trail and Park is one of only 47 groups awarded nationwide for their innovative local efforts to connect greenway corridors that help preserve a sense of place to a growing community. According to the Conservation Fund’s President, Larry Selzer, "The projects selected this year represent some of the best grassroots efforts of conservation and greenway development efforts in the United States. The Fund supports these local initiatives because they are thoughtful, action-oriented projects that will serve as models for other communities around the country."
August - September 2005
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina quickly brought unprecedented National recognition of the function and value of both Southeastern Louisiana's bottomland hardwood forests and coastal wetlands. We have done a preliminary assessment of the damage to the bottomland hardwood forested areas dedicated to the use of Woodlands Trail and Park and are in the process of applying for financial assistance to remove debris and re-establish and expand the trail system. As the region moves forward in re-building our communities, we will be even more dependent on private and corporate support to implement our smart growth and quality of life efforts in the Greater New Orleans area. Below are some pre- and post-Katrina images of Woodlands Trail - America's Wetland Birding Trail.
July 2005
On Thursday, June 16, 2005, ConocoPhillips Company became a “Soaring Eagle Sponsor” for the first Woodlands Trail Classic – 5K and Fun Run event to be held at Cypress Park on Saturday, December 31, 2005. Following a check presentation to Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc., Betsy Brien, Public Affairs Specialist for ConocoPhillips displays the poster that will advertise the family event to be held in the fall. The Woodlands Trail Classic will include a 1-mile fun run followed by a 5K race beginning and ending at Cypress Park near the location of the future entrance to Woodlands Trail and Park. Following the event, participants will be treated to refreshments and live entertainment provided by “The Stargeezers”. Register on-line to participate in or become a Sponsor of the first Woodlands Trail Classic!
June 2005
On Saturday, June 04, 2005, residents from neighboring
communities to as far away as Carencro, Louisiana were given an introduction to
Woodlands Trail. Interpretive hikes were guided by David Muth, Orleans Audubon Society and Richard DeMay, Barataria-Terrebonne
National Estuary Program. Hikers were introduced to a variety of native
vegetation
as well as getting a close-up viewing of the behavior of young schools of catfish observed in the
nearby swales. David demonstrated his talent in calling in birds
for hikers to get a close-up look at migratory birds currently "fueling
up" in this bottomland hardwood forest. Thanks to Chevron Oronite Company,
Freeport-McMoRan and Plaquemines Parish Government for their contributions to
making Nationals Trails Day a success. Woodlands received an
unexpected surprise when the Wal-Mart Foundation arrived to present a
contribution to the efforts in "Creating a Legacy" for future generations.
May 2005
Students in Donna Mayard's third grade class and Jan Rice's first grade class at Belle Chasse Primary School were the first to view a recently developed Urban Forestry presentation on "Native and Non-native Species". The presentation was partially funded through a grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. With partial funding from the Entergy Environmental Stewardship grant, Woodlands has developed a presentation to introduce students to Native and Non-native species they will see along Woodlands Trail. With future funding, Woodlands hopes to expand this project into other schools.
After a presentation on Native and Non-Native Species, Donna Mayard's students at BCP created cards to spread the word to others about visiting their "backyard, outdoor classroom" on National Trails Day. After a presentation in Jan Rice's first grade class, students were given a "sneak peak" of Woodlands Trail. Students gathered native leaves to create cards and received the added treat of observing the behavior of a native turtle.
April 2005
Woodlands Trail and Park participated in the Old Algiers Riverfest on April 17, 2005. Residents of Jefferson, Orleans and Plaquemines Parish volunteered their services to assist in the Woodlands effort of "Creating a Legacy" for future generations. A special thank you goes out to Print-All for their response to our "late in the day" request to provide us with a banner to make our presence easily recognizable to potential supporters. Below are some pictures from the event:
On
April 06, 2005, Katie Brasted, Founder and President of Woodlands Trail and
Park, Inc. received the first William Keller Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Award
at the 55th Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet of the National Safety Council,
South Louisiana Chapter. The Award for Outstanding Community Service was
presented by Elvin Thibodeaux, Chairman.
March 2005
On March 03, 2005, Al Crawford became the first WWII Veteran to have his history recorded by Our Lady of Holy Cross student, Erik Tferffle. Mr. Crawford told Erik and observing OLHCC students of his assignment at the Naval Ammunition Depot in In Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Mr. Crawford also shared his first-hand account of his active combat in Sipan during World War II.
Erik Tferffle, OLHCC intern assigned to Oral History Project and Al Crawford, WWII Veteran, Belle Chasse resident
December 2004
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Woodlands Trail and Park received an early "holiday present"
when Dave Singleton of Freeport-McMoRan presented Katie Brasted
with a contribution toward Woodlands Trail and Park's work done "in
and for the community" from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation.
The contribution will greatly contribute to the development of recreational,
historical and educational greenways in the Metropolitan New Orleans area. With the consent of Kiwanis President, Lourdes Moran, the presentation was
made during the Algiers Morning Edition Kiwanis Club meeting on Thursday,
December 9, 2004.
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October 2004
 | Library of Congress - Veterans History Project |
| Louisiana State University, T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History |
| Our Lady of Holy Cross College |
| Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. |
Pictured at Left: James Rabalis, Our Lady of Holy Cross
College, Dean of Applied Natural
and Social Sciences, Dr. Craig Bauer, OLHCC, Associate Professor of History and
Political Science, and OLHCC students, Eric Tferffle, Diane Perez-Parton and Jessica Hahn-Bries,
In late September, Woodlands Trail and Park met with Our Lady of Holy Cross College to discuss the myriad of mutual benefits in joining hands to move the community project of Woodlands Trail and Park closer to fruition. Targeting the collection of oral histories of veterans and civilians previously stationed on the Naval Ammunition Depot property as the first priority, plans were made to initiate the Woodlands Oral History Project. A tour was conducted on October 05, 2004 in an effort to give Eric Tferffle, an OLHCC intern assigned to the Woodlands Project and student volunteers a first-hand look at the geographical area which would serve as the point of reference for interviews.
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| (left to right) Dr. Craig Bauer, Professor of History and Political Science, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Jennifer Abraham, Interim Director, LSU, T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History, Katie Brasted, Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. | (left to right) Dr. Craig Bauer, Jessica Hahn-Bries, Student volunteer, Victoria Bui, Student volunteer, Jennifer Abraham, Eric Tferffle, Student Intern, Katie Brasted. Participating but not pictured above: John Cowley, Sr. Helen Fontenot, M.S.C., OLHCC, Librarian, Sr. Verde Frederick, M.S.C., James Rabalais, OLHCC, Dean of the Division of Applied, Natural, and Social Sciences | Victoria Bui and Eric Tferffle discuss aspects of collecting oral histories with Jennifer Abraham, Interim Director, LSU, T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History |
On October 22, 2004, a Workshop, funded by the Library of Congress - Veterans History Project, was co-sponsored by Louisiana State University, T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History, Our Lady of Holy Cross College and Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. Participants learned techniques for interviewing and recording oral histories as well as the specific requirements for depositing oral histories with the Library of Congress.
On Saturday, October 16, 2004, Katherine Celine Osborne, renown Soprano in the DC area, returned to her hometown of New Orleans with her husband, James Jenkins, pianist, to provide time and talent to the first fund-raising event for Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. Thanks to the untiring efforts of Carol Osborne Cowley, the creator and inspiration for this event, numerous volunteers and corporate assistance, an age-old tradition of Musical Salons was successfully reborn in the New Orleans home of Mr. and Mrs. Laurent L. De La Gueronniere.
September 2004
During recent months, staff from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hiked through the bottomland hardwood forest in Plaquemines Parish and along the batture to identify native and invasive vegetation. Information yielded by these surveys will be incorporated into interpretive kiosks along Woodlands Trail and into other educational mediums. During the first two hiking expeditions, over 100 species have been identified. Below are a few pictures from those initial visits:
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Tallow Removal |
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For many, College spring break traditionally means heading for the beaches of South Florida, but hundreds of students from colleges and universities across the nation, chose to spend their 2008 spring break giving back to the communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina. During March, over two hundred students spent over one thousand hours at Woodlands Trail and Park in Belle Chasse working on a variety of restoration activities.
| A day of hiking begins! | Chris Reid, Botanist, Louisiana
Natural Heritage Program
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Patti Faulkner, Ecologist, Louisiana Natural Heritage Program, Habitat Section (front) Judy Jones, Contractor for Natural Areas Registry (back) | Field of ferns among Cypress | A natural mushroom garden |
July 2004
On
July 08, 2004, Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc. became the recipient of Entergy's
Environmental Stewardship Grant. Phillip Truxillo, Customer Service
Manager, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish, presented the award to Katie
Brasted, President, Woodlands Trail and Park. In addition to the oversight
of the development of the "outdoor classroom", funding from the Environmental
Stewardship Grant will be used to further develop educational materials
regarding native and invasive species, wildlife, resident and migratory birds
and other elements of the cultural and military history unique to this region.
May 2004
On May 28, 2004, ConocoPhillips joined Woodlands Trail and Park in "Creating a Legacy" with the generous donation of $10,000. Pictured at left is Betsy Brien, Public Affairs Specialist for ConocoPhillips presenting a contribution toward the effort of preserving pristine bottomland hardwoods for future generations to Katie Brasted, President, Woodlands Trail and Park. Additionally, ConocoPhillips recently committed to partnering with Woodlands Trail and Park in their application for the funding of an Urban Forestry Project for youth through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program.
April 2004
On Wednesday, April 14, 2004, Chevron Oronite, Oak Point Plant, a ChevronTexaco Company, joined Woodlands Trail and Park, Inc.'s efforts in "Creating a Legacy" for future generations. At a Press Conference near the entrance of the future Woodlands Trail, Mike Burnside, America's Regional Manager, presented Woodlands Trail and Park with a generous donation of $5000 to assist in the establishment of the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast Birding Trail. See articles below for more information.
During February, Woodlands Trail and Park provided educational materials on wetlands and their functions to a fourth grade and eighth grade class in Orleans Parish and a fourth grade class in Plaquemines Parish for World Wetlands Day.
Woodlands Trail and Park partnered with Ms. Kathy Johnson’s fourth grade class at Belle Chasse Primary to enter the River of Words poetry contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. Incorporating LEAP test terminology, Woodlands Trail and Park provided the students with a presentation on Woodlands Trail and Park, focusing on the environmental and cultural history of the surrounding watershed area. The students incorporated this information into poetry:
| A Legacy Unfolds by Mrs. Kathy Johnson |
| Woodlands Trail and Park by Dominic Avallone |
| Woodlands Trail and Park by Karah Bergeron |
| Woodlands Trail by Benjamin Beshel |
March 2004
Council Chairwoman, Lynda Banta, introduced an Ordinance to allow the World War II Ammunition Magazines to be nominated as a National Historic Site. On March 25, 2004, the Ordinance received the supporting votes of Councilmembers Mike A. Mudge, Amos J. Cormier, Jr., John J. Friedman, Lynda G. Banta and Joseph Clark.
An Ordinance to re-route/realign the Woodlands Trail and Park Route was introduced by Council Chairwoman Lynda Banta. On March 25, 2004, the Ordinance passed after receiving the supporting votes of Councilmembers John L. Bartholemy, Jr., Jerry Hodnett, Mike A. Mudge, Amos J. Cormier, Jr., John J. Friedman, Lynda G. Banta and Joseph Clark.
Woodlands Trail and Park was included in Master Transportation Plan submitted to City Planning Commissioners, March 09, 2004.
February 2004
Local artist, Glen Weber, completes a watercolor of one of Woodlands Trail and Park's conceptual designs of a potential trail entrance. The painting includes a potential interpretive center located on the foundation of the remnants of a swimming pool constructed during World War II on the Naval Ammunition Depot property. Glen is currently generously donating his time and artistic expertise to provide Woodlands Trail and Park with a conceptual entrance design that incorporates "naming opportunities" for contributors along its' meandering fence line.
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| Conceptual approach to Woodlands Trail with conceptual design of an Interpretive Center |
Conceptual Woodlands Trail entrance |
January 2004
The legacy begins with Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle signing an agreement with Providence Engineering to conduct trail design and permitting required for Woodlands Trail's construction efforts to physically begin.
 Dr. Wylie C. Barrow, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, USGS, National Wetlands Research Center and Richard DeMay, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program comment on vegetation |
Coast Guard Officer inspects artifact |
 Dr. Barbara C. Benson, Providence Engineering and Environmental Group, LLC, Richard DeMay, BTNEP and Dr. Wylie C. Barrow, Jr. hike to World War II Ammunition Magazines. |
December 2003
 Osprey |
Osprey, an occasional sighting in one of our regions' last stands of bottomland hardwoods in the peninsula formed by Orleans and Plaquemines parishes. This one, captured on video Christmas Day, 2003 can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Osprey taking flight |
November 2003
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Woodlands Trail and Park's display on Veteran's Day at the National D-Day Museum was successful in reaching out to service men and women familiar with the Naval Ammunition Depot property in Belle Chasse. Men and women from the Navy and Marines stopped to share their stories. |
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Eighth Naval District Fire Station |
This Eighth Naval District photo provided by Sherry Troupe, Florida, was identified by D-Day Museum visitors as the Fire Station previously located on the Plaquemines Parish property during World War II. |
Thanks to all who volunteered and assisted in making Woodlands Trail and Park's display at the D-Day Museum a success. Below are some pictures from Veteran's Day.
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Woodlands Trail and Park Restoration Team Receives National
Coastal America Partnership Award
