CRCL is excited to have you join us in Violet, LA! Installed in 2022, CRCL’s Native Plant Nursery has grown several hundred trees that will soon be planted.

CRCL is proud to be a partner organization of the Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective (CWRC). This group of organizations is collaborating to re-establish a bald cypress and water tupelo bottomland hardwood forest near New Orleans. The other organizations in the collective include Pontchartrain Conservancy, Common Ground Relief, CSED of the Lower 9th Ward, and the Arlene & Joseph Meraux Foundation.

The Central Wetlands Unit was heavily impacted by historic logging and saltwater intrusion from the Mississippi Gulf Outlet (MRGO). What once was a thick and healthy swamp is now mostly marsh and open water. Following the closure of MRGO, the salinity in this area has dropped to where it can once again support cypress trees. Restoring the swamp forest will result in higher quality wildlife habitat, storm surge/wind attenuation, and healthier ecosystems.

With your help, CRCL and other CWRC organizations will plant more than 30,000 trees in the Central Wetlands Unit over the next four years.

Volunteers must complete registration to attend.

• Minimum age: 16. Minors are required to have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by an adult.
• CRCL staff members are wilderness first aid-certified. If you get injured during any activity, please report it to a CRCL staff member immediately.

What you should bring:

• Reuseable water bottle
• Boots
• Clothes you feel comfortable getting wet and dirty

What we provide:

• Water
• Snacks
• Lunch,
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Gloves
• Boots, first-come, first-served
• All necessary project equipment

Full event details will be made available on this page to registered volunteers