Maurepas Tree Planting

Port Manchac

Friday, December 18, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite people in action to achieve a thriving, sustainable Louisiana coast for all.

CRCL is excited to have you join us in Manchac! Maurepas Swamp is critical to the well-being of the communities around Lake Maurepas. Historically, it was an old-growth, freshwater forested swamp naturally connected to the Mississippi River. Periodic overbank flooding supplied the swamp with a steady freshwater input that maintained a nutrient-rich, healthy ecosystem.

This region has been clearcut for cypress timber and, as a result, converted from old-growth hardwood forest to marshland over the past few centuries. Canals such as the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet (MR-GO) have increased the salinity of this estuarine system and exacerbated ecological damage. The MR-GO was closed in 2009, and the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project is underway. Salinities have lowered to levels that can support ecological restoration of the bottomland hardwood forest.

With your help, CRCL will plant 4,500 bald cypress trees to strengthen this area against storms and provide habitat for critical wildlife.

Not sure what to expect? Watch this short video

All volunteers must complete registration below to attend. Boats WILL be used during this event.

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• Minimum age: 16. Everyone must sign our release and waiver of rights upon registration. Volunteers 17 years old and younger must have a parent or guardian complete the registration on their behalf and be accompanied by an adult.

• This event will include a boat ride of about 20 minutes. Volunteers are required to wear life jackets (provided by CRCL) and follow the directions of the boat captains.

• If you have a severe allergy or dietary restriction, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please email sofia.giordano@crcl.org. We are unable to accommodate gluten-free volunteers. If you are gluten-free, please bring a lunch. If you have a severe allergy that requires an EpiPen, please be sure to bring it with you.

• CRCL staff members are Wilderness First Aid-trained. If you get injured during any activity, please report it to a CRCL staff member immediately.

• If you require verification of your service, please email volunteers@crcl.org following the event.

Register here.

What you should bring:

• Reusable 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