Non-Profit Spotlight: CRCL

New Orleans, a city that is no stranger to warm and extreme weather, is facing an increasingly dire change: land loss and flooding from rising water levels in the Gulf of Mexico. While these detrimental changes affect many residents of South Louisiana, they disproportionately affect Black communities and Indigenous communities.

The Coalition to Restore Louisiana (CRCL) is the first statewide nonprofit dedicated to confronting coastal land loss. The organization’s mission is to unite people in action to achieve a thriving, sustainable Louisiana coast for all. Below you can find out more about their history, programs, and opportunities to get involved!

Programs

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) leads significant restoration efforts with innovative programs like the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. This initiative has successfully diverted over 14 million pounds of oyster shells from landfills, repurposing them to construct vital habitats and reefs that not only support new oyster growth but also dramatically slow coastal erosion. Partnering with approximately three dozen restaurants across New Orleans and Baton Rouge, CRCL has constructed its sixth reef, located at the Grand Bayou Indian Village in Plaquemines Parish, enhancing both marine life and community resilience.

In addition to the recycling program, CRCL’s Native Plants Program is making substantial environmental impacts by planting over one million trees and grasses across Louisiana’s coast. This effort not only restores natural habitats but also stabilizes the coast’s fragile soils, combating erosion effectively.

CRCL also fosters educational and leadership development through the Coastal Leadership Institute and CRCLectures series, which delve into coastal-related topics. The biennial State of the Coast conference, the largest of its kind in Louisiana, is a critical platform for sharing knowledge and strategies concerning coastal preservation and restoration.

These initiatives demonstrate CRCL’s commitment to a restored and resilient Louisiana coastline, highlighting the synergy between community involvement, environmental sustainability, and educational outreach. 

Wetland Conservation

At the heart of Louisiana’s cultural and ecological heritage are its coastal wetlands, an area where approximately 2,000 square miles have transformed from wetland into open water in less than a century. The wetlands sustain vibrant fisheries and dynamic local industries, and are the linchpin for natural hurricane defense systems. They are the backbone of communities that have flourished for generations, embodying the spirit and resilience of the state.

Recognizing the critical role these ecosystems play, CRCL is at the forefront of advocating for a sustainable future for Louisiana’s coast. We invite you to connect with your community and the environment through a series of engaging and impactful events:

• Oyster Reef Building and Marsh Grasses Planting: The week of the Super Bowl, you can help to build an oyster reef and plant marsh grasses nearby in conjunction with NFL Green and other partners. This will take place in Leeville, which was founded by survivors of the 1893 Cheniere Caminada hurricane. While this town once had about 1,000 residents, it’s now almost gone. The last permanent resident left after Hurricane Ida, and the cemetery is already underwater. The reef will help to slow shoreline erosion and create a habitat for new oysters.
• Oyster Shell Bagging and Tree Planting Initiatives: Roll up your sleeves at our volunteer events, where you can help bag oyster shells or plant trees in the Central Wetlands. These activities are not only pivotal in habitat restoration but also excellent for team-building.

With thousands of bald cypress trees planned for planting, CRCL is driven to rejuvenate and preserve the wetlands that are so vital to Louisiana’s heritage and future resilience. Each event offers a unique opportunity to contribute actively to ongoing restoration projects while fostering a deeper connection with the environment and fellow community members. Join us in these endeavors to safeguard and celebrate our state’s natural treasures.

Summary 

By volunteering, participating in educational series, or attending community events, you can directly contribute to CRCL’s efforts in building a sustainable and thriving coastal Louisiana. Your engagement not only supports environmental restoration but also fosters a deeper connection with the community and a better understanding of the challenges and solutions facing Louisiana’s coast.

Aside from volunteering, you can support The Coalition to Restore Louisiana’s work in other ways, like dining at restaurants that are part of our Oyster Shell Recycling Program, or simply following CRCL on social media.

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