CRCLectures talk: Ancient Louisiana Coastal Cypress Are Hiding in Plain Sight
CRCLectures talk: Ancient Louisiana Coastal Cypress Are Hiding in Plain Sight
Ancient Louisiana Coastal Cypress Are Hiding in Plain Sight
Breakfast, Birding, and a Hike to Explore Louisiana’s Ancient Giants
Join the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) for a morning of exploration and learning at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve as we delve into the world of Louisiana’s iconic cypress trees.
Featuring guest speakers:
- Harvey Stern, Founder/Director , Louisiana Purchase Cypress Legacy
- Brendan Harmon, Associate Professor, Louisiana State University – College of Art & Design
- Dr. Julie Whitbeck, Ecologist, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
Event Highlights:
- Savor breakfast and coffee while mingling with fellow nature lovers
- Participate in birdwatching and a brief hike to admire a stunning legacy cypress tree
- Hear from Dr. Julie Whitbeck as she shares insights about the park and her contributions
- Discover the findings of Harvey Stern as he discusses his extensive research on legacy trees
- Learn about Brendan Harmon’s groundbreaking work in laser scanning and 3D printing ancient trees
Explore the beauty of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, learn about the ecological significance of these ancient trees, and see firsthand how technology is aiding in their preservation.
About Harvey Stern:
After receiving a Master’s in Community Planning in 1979 from the University of Cincinnati, Harvey settled in New Orleans, where he was a planner with the New Orleans City Planning Commission and Sewerage and Water Board for over thirty years. His responsibilities included serving for many years as Orleans Parish Coastal Zone Manager. His exploration and admiration of Louisiana’s forested wetlands inspired him in 2003 to initiate the Louisiana Purchase Cypress Legacy—a quest to discover and landmark still living old growth cypress in Louisiana that were alive at the time of the Louisiana Purchase: “Alive in 1803”. Finding, registering, and promoting the stewardship of Louisiana’s centuries old cypress has led Harvey to all corners of the State—his pursuit of the oldest cypress in each Parish has revealed the presence of cypress aged 221 years and older (several well over 1000 years old) in most of the State’s Parishes. Despite the common belief that logging has long ago eradicated old growth cypress in Louisiana, a surprising amount survives to this day. At the November 16th “ “Cypress Appreciation” event in the Barataria Preserve, and with one of the Preserve’s ancient cypress as a backdrop, Harvey will discuss the significance of old growth cypress in coastal Louisiana. In addition to discussing his adventures in discovering and landmarking old growth coastal cypress, he’ll give his perspective on why they should be protected and venerated, and divulge where in Coastal Louisiana they can be viewed in all their grandeur.
About Brendan:
Brendan Harmon is an associate professor of landscape architecture with expertise in spatial science, computational design, and robotics. Working at the intersection of spatial sciences and computational design, he explores the entanglement of ecology and technology. His current research programs include designing robotic processes for planting and sensing landscapes, experiments in point cloud modeling as a creative medium, and documentary projects using emerging technologies to preserve our disappearing natural and cultural heritage.
At the event, Brendan will discuss his project Atlas of Heritage Trees, which archives ancient trees of exceptional historical, cultural, and ecological significance. Specifically, he will showcase his work on laser scanning and 3D printing the “Monarch of the Swamp” to create detailed models for conservation and educational purposes.
About Julie:
Julie Whitbeck, Ph.D., is a terrestrial ecologist developing and applying scientific understanding in the service of managing natural resources. After several years in academia, in 2011 she began working as the Ecologist for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Her research and her stewardship practice address whole plant to ecosystem scale responses to environmental variation, focusing on responses to climate change, and ecosystem restoration. For many years, she investigated sea level rise impacts on coastal forested wetlands, and she has explored factors underlying effective cypress swamp restoration. In her work as a place-based steward, she strives to apply scientific understanding to serve resource management challenges. As a part of this work, and around its edges, she continues to teach, learn and practice ecology in formal and informal contexts.
About Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve:
Located just outside of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve offers a unique opportunity to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park’s Barataria Preserve, where this event will be held, is a haven for wildlife, with winding trails that take you through wetlands, swamps, and ancient forests. Home to alligators, wading birds, and towering cypress trees, it provides the perfect setting for learning about the importance of preserving our natural landscapes.
Marrero, LA 70072
Jefferson
United States