Delta Dispatches

In today's episode of Delta Dispatches, we say goodbye to host Jacques Hebert, who leaves the show, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition to become the Communication Director for the McKnight Foundation. We're joined by several special guests (Chip Kline, Bren Haase, Steve Caparotta, and Steve Cochran) to reflect on 194 episodes of Delta Dispatches and the incalculable contributions Jacques has made to the restoration of Louisiana's coast. Join us in wishing Jacques good luck in new his endeavors!

Today's episode explores the other end of the Mighty Mississippi by welcoming Trevor Russell, Water Program Director with Friends of the Mississippi River (https://fmr.org/). Based in Minnesota, Russell paints a picture of the upper river, discusses his organization's work to enhance the health of the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities and beyond. In particular, he highlights the organization's award-winning State of the River report, the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act (https://fmr.org/tags/mrrri) they are advocating for along with the Mississippi River Network (https://1mississippi.org/), and more!

Christopher Esposito, Ph.D., Research Scientist with The Water Institute of the Gulf, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from being an educator in a New Orleans math classroom to a leading scientist helping understand and inform coastal restoration efforts on Louisiana's coast. Chris discusses the newly-launched Bay Denesse Living Lab Initiative (https://thewaterinstitute.org/projects/the-living-lab), a physical site in Plaquemines Parish where scientific research is combined with active restoration, as well as other projects from coastal science to river management.

On this week's podcast, Jacques is joined by Arthur J. Johnson, CEO, of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED). Arthur was recently recognized by the River Network for his leadership and impact on communities along the Mississippi River. Arthur discusses new programs at CSED, including glass recycling for coastal restoration and a new young leadership cohort. Arthur also reflects on the need for restoration of the MRGO Ecosystem to support people and nature across the Greater New Orleans region. Learn more about CSED and support their work https://sustainthenine.org/ (https://sustainthenine.org/)

This week, Jacques spoke with John Ruskey, one of the most knowledgeable river guides and paddlers of the Mississippi River. John shares his life experiences gathered from over 40 years paddling the Mighty Mississippi. Tune in to learn about John's work and how you too can experience the Mississippi firsthand!

With the start of Atlantic hurricane season, Simone and Jacques bring back one of Louisiana's most trusted weathermen, WAFB's Steve Caparotta, to talk about storm season, how to stay prepared and his new podcast Coast and Climate (https://www.wafb.com/video/2022/05/30/coast-climate-hurricane-week-garret-graves/).

With summer fast approaching, Jacques and Simone (united once again!) sit down with Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC). Kristi is excited to be in person with events again and PC has plenty of ways to get involved! They've got ongoing volunteer opportunities, the Lighthouse Museum is open again for tours, and this weekend they're hosting their annual Storm Sweep, which kicks off this Saturday, May 28th! Be prepared this hurricane season at https://scienceforourcoast.org/stormsweep2022/.

This week Simone is joined by James Karst, Communication Director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) to talk about all their exciting work in 2022 including next week's Coastal Stewardship Awards (https://www.crcl.org/coastal-stewardship-awards), which honors individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary commitment to our coast. Later in the episode, Simone is joined by three of this year's winners ( Raegan Creppell, Jonathan Foret and Genie Ardoin) who are being recognized for their tremendous work to help coastal communities recover from Hurricane Ida.

On today's Delta Dispatches, we chat with long-time friend of the show and Executive Director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Bren Haase! Bren talks through an exciting year for Louisiana's coast with the largestAnnual Plan to date, with over $1.35B in expenditures and 92 projects in construction. You can read the Annual Plan and use CPRA's interactive map on their website: https://ap23.coastal.la.gov/ Bren also talks us through the upcoming Coastal Day at the Louisiana Legislature on April 5th.

On today's episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques chats with Grammy-award winning musician Louis Michot! Louis discusses how his upbringing in Louisiana's Cajun country shaped his love of the environment and Louisiana's coast and even inspired his music. Louis will be performing with his band, Lost Bayou Ramblers, at this year's Shell-A-Bration on March 25th! This community event is dedicated to raising awareness and engagement for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana's Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Learn more and buy your ticket here: https://www.crcl.org/shell-a-bration.

After a quick introduction by Jacques and Simone, we replay a recent episode from the American Shoreline Podcast! Hosts Peter Ravella and Tyler Buckingham turn their attention to the dynamic Louisiana coast and the struggle to protect the City of New Orleans from Mississippi River floods. Joining the show is Dr. Devyani Kar, Senior Manager and Scientist with the Environmental Defennse Fund, to share new research that shows how upriver river diversions can restore vital wetlands and reduce the impacts of Bonnet Carré Spillway openings, the current flood control measure (operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) that flows into Lake Pontchartrain. Then, we discuss how Louisiana stacks up against other state coastal restoration programs and why Louisiana's program is forging the way forward. We close our discussion with Dr. Kar with another project she is working on to harnessing nature-based solutions to reduce Gulf Coast flood and chemical exposure risk in Galveston Bay, particularly from petrochemical complexes.

On this episode, Jacques speaks with Kate Tannian, Visitor Services Manager, for Pontchartrain Conservancy about the history and program offerings of the conservancy's New Canal Lighthouse. From a newly-named EPA Reactive Fish Sculpture to a newly-launched public seed station, there is a lot happening at the lighthouse these days in addition to its regular scientific and historical exhibits, unique gift shop, and more! Plan your next visit to this special part of the New Orleans Lakefront here (https://scienceforourcoast.org/lighthouse-museum-2/history/).

On today's show, we talk with Bill Cooksey, the Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator with Vanishing Paradise. This is a conservation program for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts. Bill brings his unique history as a hunter and communicator to raise awareness and support on a critical conservation issue of our time — restoring the Mississippi River Delta and Gulf Coast. You can learn more about Vanishing Paradise (https://www.vanishingparadise.org/) on their website and listen to Bill on the Vanishing Paradise podcast here https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fpxyu-95d5e8

Earlier this month, Louisiana's Climate Task Force approved the state's first ever Climate Action Plan, a science-based plan consisting of 28 strategies and 84 actions to “limit the severity of climate change while positioning the state to maintain its economic competitiveness in a low-carbon future.” Lindsay Cooper, Policy Analyst with the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, joins the show to discuss the plan, how it was developed and what comes next as Louisiana seeks to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Glass Half Full is a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans working to remove glass waste from landfills by recycling it into sand and other materials. To date, they have removed 1.8 million pounds of glass from landfills. On this episode, Jacques interviews their founder and co-director Franziska Trautmann who discusses how the idea was born by Tulane students over a bottle of wine, the mechanics of turning glass bottles into sand and other materials, a new partnership with CRCL's oyster shell recycling program, as well as their plans to launch a demonstration coastal restoration project with recycled material. Learn more and support their efforts at: glasshalffullnola.org.

On today's episode, Jacques and Simone interview author Mary Ann Sternberg who has written a number of books, articles, essays and more about Louisiana's unique places and people. Mary Ann discusses her writing, how Louisiana's environment has inspired it and highlights some experiences that provided a unique vantage point of the Mighty Mississippi. Learn more about Mary Ann and her writing at https://www.maryannsternberg.com/.

In the first episode of 2022, Simone and Jacques welcome back Gregory Grandy, Deputy Executive Director Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana, who discusses how 2022 will be one of the most significant years for Louisiana's coast with some of the largest, most ambitious restoration projects ever to move forward. These projects include marsh creation, or “dredging” projects as well as projects to reconnect the Mississippi River to wetlands to sustain them into the future.

For the last episode of 2021, Jacques and Simone discuss major events and milestones for Louisiana's coast over the prior year and look forward to what's to come in 2022. As a reminder, many families in Louisiana are still dealing with the lingering impacts of Hurricane Ida as we head into the holidays. Visit http://mississippiriverdelta.org/ida to learn how you can help those in need this holiday season and beyond. Happy Holidays to our Delta Dispatches family!

On today's episode, Simone and Jacques are joined by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) who provides insight into the recently-signed bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (https://mississippiriverdelta.org/infrastructure-package-delivers-significant-wins-for-louisianas-coast-and-communities/) and what this significant legislation means for Louisiana's coast and communities. Senator Cassidy highlights the funding coming to Louisiana for coastal restoration and resilience as a result of the infrastructure package, discusses other funding opportunities such as the RISEE Act, and shares his favorite Louisiana Christmas tradition and dish with us!

In this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, be on the lookout for the beautiful “Celebration Gator” float! We were inspired by this reptilian replica to record a riveting episode celebrating Louisiana's most iconic animal. We're joined by Dr. Andy Nyman, Professor, Wetland Wildlife Ecology at LSU and talk about the alligators, coastal restoration, and their future!

Scientist Molly Keogh, who received her PhD at Tulane University and is now a Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Oregon, Department of Earth Sciences, joins the podcast to discuss her latest paper, “Organic matter accretion, shallow subsidence, and river delta sustainability”, and its relation to Louisiana's coast. Molly, who was featured for her research in the documentary film “Last Call for the Bayou”, also discusses that experience, and her work at the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion, a “living laboratory” of Louisiana's coast.

This week on Delta Dispatches, we talk to Elizabeth Chamberlain, Assistant Professor, Wageningen University, about her career as a coastal geologist. Liz got her start at LSU and Tulane researching the Mississippi River Delta and has gone on to study deltas around the world. She joins Jacques and Simone to discuss a new paper based on research in the Lafourche Delta, focusing on how subsidence impacts the Mississippi River Delta and its implications for restoration projects in Louisiana. Her new paper “Does Load-Induced Shallow Subsidence Inhibit Delta Growth?” was published earlier this month: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2021JF006153.

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone chat with friend of the show Helen Rose Patterson, senior outreach coordinator with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). She's here to talk about NOLA River Fest 2021, happening this week! Don't miss the virtual panels covering a range of interesting topics concerning the Mississippi River: https://www.facebook.com/MississippiRiverDelta/events/. In this episode we also talk about the Coastal Community Handbook, a quick guide to all things coastal. You can read the digital version or request a physical copy of the handbook at: https://mississippiriverdelta.org/handbook.

On today's episode, Jacques talks with Steve Cochran, who has served as Campaign Director of the Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) for the last six years, about some developments within the coalition. After successfully leading the MRD team, Steve is moving on to assume a new role leading state affairs within Environmental Defense Fund and none other than our very own Simone Maloz will assume the role of MRD campaign director! We talk with Steve about his career, reflections on his time as campaign director, and advice for the future. We then officially welcome Simone, hear about her background and learn what she's most excited about as she takes this next step.

As impacts from Hurricane Ida continue to be assessed, Pontchartrain Conservancy's (https://scienceforourcoast.org/) Water Quality Program Director Brady Skaggs discusses how the storm affected water quality across the region and what actions you can take to improve water quality in nearby waterways. Skaggs also highlights the newly-launched Lake and Coast App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scienceforourcoast.lakeandcoast&pcampaignid=pcampaignidMKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1) that puts water quality data at your fingertips. As a reminder, you can find ways to help those impacted by Hurricane Ida here (https://mississippiriverdelta.org/ida/), and don't forget to check out our newly-launched Community Guide to Coastal Restoration (https://mississippiriverdelta.org/handbook/)!

This week on Delta Dispatches, we're excited to welcome Kate Orff, Founding Principal of SCAPE. Jacques and Simone talk with her about the role nature can play in adapting to climate change, how she is reimaging landscape architecture through her studio, as well as on-the-ground restoration opportunities from Louisiana to New York. SCAPE's recent work includes OurFutureCoast.org (https://www.ourfuturecoast.org/) and Kate was featured in the New Yorker in the story “The Seas Are Rising. Could Oysters Help” (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/08/09/the-seas-are-rising-could-oysters-protect-us).

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone chat with Jeray Jambon Jarreau from Bless Your Heart Nonprofit. Jeray talks about life in South Lafourche after the devastation of Hurricane Ida. Bless Your Heart Nonprofit is working on the ground to address the needs of some of the most impacted communities in South Louisiana. Learn about the work they're doing and how you can help through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blessyourheartnonprofit/

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever make landfall in Louisiana, Simone and Jacques discuss ongoing impacts to communities and how people can help those in need. They also welcome Scot Pilié, EDF senior communications specialist and meteorologist, to discuss the extent of Ida's impacts and why it was so destructive from a meteorological standpoint. Please visit MississippiRiverDelta.org/Ida to support organizations doing work in Louisiana to help those in need.

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Delta Dispatches! This week we're chatting with photographer Matthew White about beautiful and inspiring work recently published in the New York Time. “Beauty, Serenity, Stillness: An Ode to the Final Miles of the Mississippi River (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/08/travel/mississippi-river.html)” features photography of the landscape and communities of Plaquemines Parish. See more of Matthew's work on his website (https://www.matthewwhitestudio.com/index) and Tumblr (https://matthewdwhite.tumblr.com/).

On this episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques interviews first time guest T. Brad Keith the new director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP). Founded in 1990, BTNEP is the oldest coastal organization in Louisiana and helps ensure access to sustainable clean water across the estuary. T. Brad talks about the history and future of this vital program for coastal Louisiana.

On today's episode, Simone and Jacques are joined by Jasmine Brown, Public Policy Manager for Greater New Orleans Inc. Jasmine discusses the work her organization is doing, through its Coalition for Coastal Resilience and Economy (CCRE) and beyond, to advance coastal restoration in our region to protect people and the economy, as well as to create jobs and economic growth. Learn more about GNO Inc.'s work and CCRE at https://gnoinc.org/business-climate/coastal-restoration/.

Thanks for listening to the latest episode of Delta Dispatches! Today Jacques and Simone are joined by Harry Vorhoff, of the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, and Rep. Joseph Orgeron to discuss the state's first Wind Week, a series of public webinars on expanding wind energy in the Gulf. You can watch all Wind Week sessions online at: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/124.

On today's episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone talk about the restoration of the “longest Main Street in the world!” First up, we catch up with Ryan M. Perque, Executive Director of the Friends of the Bayou Lafourche. He talks about the history of the waterway and the work his organization and others are doing to restore it. In the second half of the show, we continue our conversation about Bayou Lafourche with Tristan Baurick, environmental reporter with The Times Picayune New Orleans Advocate, who recently wrote two great articles about these restoration efforts on nola.com. Read Tristan's reporting: part 1: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article70cbb236-b191-11eb-93fa-af3599177e15.html part 2: https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article451592f0-c4a7-11eb-bc02-8f61079a8834.html Visit Friends of Bayou Lafourche: https://bayoulafourche.org/

As summer kicks off and tourism ramps back up in Louisiana, Simone and Jacques welcome Jared Sternberg, founder of Beyond the Bayou eco-tours (https://www.beyondthebayoutours.com/), to discuss how and why he founded his business as well as their tour offerings, eco-tourism as a tool for coastal education, and a new partnership with the Old 77 Hotel in New Orleans to bring more people out into the swamp.

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques brings back our friends from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana James Karst, director of communications and marketing, and Emily Vuxton, policy director. James talks about the upcoming State of the Coast conference (registration open now! (https://www.stateofthecoast.org/rates)) and Emily talks about things to keep an eye on in this year’s Louisiana state legislative session including the 2021 Coastal Annual Plan.

This week on Delta Dispatches we’re talking about the inspirational new exhibit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which features works from John Taylor, storyteller, environmentalist, self-taught artist and life-long resident of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. Here to talk about the exhibit is Mikhayla Harrell, the Museum Educator and Teen Intern Coordinator at the Ogden Museum and Amanda Moore Deputy Director, Gulf Program for the National Wildlife Federation. This exhibition features a variety of works by Taylor, including eight walking sticks carved from wood found along the banks of the Mississippi River and eight photographs of the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle as well as historical information about Louisiana wetland loss, and provides a number of ways people can get involved with restoration efforts.

On today's episode, Jacques and Simone welcome author Adam Mandelman to discuss his book, The Place with No Edge: An Intimate History of People, Technology, and the Mississippi River Delta, "a book about people’s dreams of mastering nature through technology in one of the wettest, most unruly landscapes of North America. Published with Louisiana State University Press in April of 2020, it chronicles three centuries of European efforts to tame the Mississippi River Delta, an environment defined by flood and wetlands." Adam discusses highlights key themes from his book, provides insight into his research process and discusses his perspectives on efforts to build greater resilience on the Mississippi River Delta. Purchase a copy of his book at your local bookstore or here: https://lsupress.org/books/detail/the-place-with-no-edge/.

On today's episode, Jacques and Simone welcome Jeff Varisco, Senior Project Manager, and Brad Laborde, Regulatory Manager, with the Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District. Jeff and Brad walk us through the milestone that is the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion, discuss how the public can engage in submitting comments over the comment period and provide insight into how these comments will inform a final Environmental Impact Statement for the project. Read the DEIS, get information on the formal public meetings and details on how to submit public comments at: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permits/Mid-Barataria-Sediment-Diversion-EIS

On this week’s episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone and Jacques bring back their first-ever guests, Dr. Alisha Renfro with the National Wildlife Federation and Steve Cochran campaign director with Restore the Mississippi River Delta and Environmental Defense Fund, to mark a big milestone for Louisiana’s coast -- the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement and Restoration Plan for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion would be the single largest ecosystem restoration project in U.S. history and will build more wetlands than any other individual restoration project in the world in an area experiencing the highest rates of land loss on the planet. Alisha and Steve discuss the science behind the project, why it’s critical to Louisiana’s future and how the public can get involved in the process moving forward. Learn more at http://mississippiriverdelta.org/midbarataria.

This week on Delta Dispatches, we sit down with one of our favorite guests, Bren Haase, Executive Director for the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority. The CPRA is releasing their draft Annual Plan, which outlines the coastal projects moving forward in the next 12 months and Bren walks us through many of the big projects that will make 2021 a great year for coastal Louisiana.

On today's episode, Simone and Jacques welcome back National Wildlife Federation Outreach Manager Samantha Carter to discuss the fourth annual Cook-off for the Coast (https://coastcookoff.wordpress.com/). Although this year's cook-off will be virtual, Sam highlights how it will still feature great content, including music from the Michot’s Melody Makers with special guest Leyla McCalla, a virtual coastal flyover, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, as well as a recipe and artwork contest. On the second half of the show, Friends of Bayou Lafourche Executive Director Ryan Perque joins to discuss exciting progress on the bayou, including a new partnership with Nicholls State University, improvements along the waterway, as well as upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Learn more and support this organization at bayoulafourche.org (http://bayoulafourche.org/).

This episode of Delta Dispatches features environmental law experts providing an overview of the legal and regulatory backdrop upon which Louisiana is executing its coastal restoration and protection efforts. Amy Reed, Staff Attorney, and Jarryd Page, Public Interest Law Fellow, both from the Environmental Law Institute, join Simone and Jacques to discuss the forthcoming draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion. They also discuss the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other important laws guiding the implementation of this large-scale coastal restoration project. More importantly, they highlight how the public and stakeholders can get involved and participate in this process. Learn more at ELI.org (http://eli.org/) and by reading this ELI blog post (https://www.eli.org/vibrant-environment-blog/sediment-diversions-big-projects-confront-land-loss-mississippi-river-delta) about the regulatory process surrounding the diversion.

On today's show, Jacques checks in with Blaise Pezold, Coastal and Environmental Program Manager at The Meraux Foundation, who provides updates on a number of exciting programs the foundation is carrying out in St. Bernard Parish, from a new citrus research facility to ongoing coastal education and volunteer initiatives. Freelance journalist Sara Sneath then joins to discuss her recent reporting and highlight a unique way to tour St. Bernard Parish and the rest of our coastal communities -- on your bike.

Welcome back to Delta Dispatches as Simone and Jacques kick off 2021 with a favorite guest, Dr. Robert Twilley, who updates the duo on the exciting development of Louisiana being considered for a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Louisiana is one of the few coastal states that doesn’t currently have a NERR. Dr. Twilley discusses what value a NERR would bring to a state and how having one would allow Louisiana’s coast to have greater attention at the national level. Simone and Jacques then chat with Karen Gautreaux, Director, Government Relations, Louisiana Chapter, The Nature Conservancy, who highlights Louisiana’s first-ever Climate Task Force and gives an update on important work happening in the Atchafalaya Basin.

Simone and Jacques close out 2020 with their 150th episode of Delta Dispatches, welcoming Greg Grandy, Deputy Executive Director for Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). Greg highlights the immense progress that the agency made on implementing coastal restoration and protection projects in 2020 (https://coastal.la.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/In-Review.pdf), despite obstacles ranging from the Covid pandemic to an extremely active, unprecedented hurricane season. CPRA advanced 112 coastal projects with 49 projects in construction in 2020, and Greg also highlights what's to come in 2021. Jacques then welcomes Marissa Wendte and James Karst from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana on to highlight progress on the coalition's oyster shell recycling program, a new virtual store (https://coalition-to-restore-coastal-louisiana.myshopify.com/), next year's virtual State of the Coast and their annual Shell-A-Bration!

Thanks for listening to Delta Dispatches! As we close out 2020, Jacques & Simone chat with one of Louisiana’s most iconic television journalists: WVUE Fox-8 News Anchor John Snell! You may know John from his decades-long career as a reporter and news anchor at WVUE Fox-8 in New Orleans, but in this episode, we get to know more about the man in front of the camera. John discusses what brought him to and kept him in New Orleans, advice to aspiring journalists, reflections on how the industry has changed, as well as his love of photography. He also highlights his award-winning "Coast in Crisis" series and why Louisiana's land loss crisis is such an important and compelling story for him to cover.

This week Simone and Jacques catch up with Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail who recaps the biggest milestones for her organization in 2020. Kristi also highlights ongoing programs, from on-the-ground science on water quality and coastal restoration, to STEM education and volunteer tree plantings. There are many ways to support Pontchartrain Conservancy in their mission, from donations to volunteering to shopping at the New Canal Lighthouse. Learn more at scienceforourcoast.org.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Delta Dispatches. Our hosts, Simone & Jacques, catch up after a few weeks off and reflect on the long (and finally over) 2020 hurricane season. Our first guess is Ilissa Ocko, senior climate scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund. She talks about her work and how climate change impacts hurricanes. On the second half the show, we chat with Meg Adams, the Director of Environmental Stewardship at New Orleans City Park. Meg talks about the great history of City Park and how it’s embracing environmental stewardship.

Thanks for listening to the latest episode of Delta Dispatches. This episode was recorded early last week, before Hurricane Zeta made landfall. Everyone at Delta Dispatches sends good vibes to all our listeners, as we’ve been impacted with the rest of Southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. We hope this episode will provide some entertainment as you may be waiting for the lights to come back on. We talk to Maida Owens, Louisiana Folklife Program Director about her important work capturing the cultural heritage of our state. We are also joined by one of our favorite (and most frequent) guests, Erik Johnson from the National Audubon Society! He talks about his work with the elusive Black Rail.

Thanks for tuning in this week! Today, Simone and Jacques have a special, panel-esque episode all about the infamous Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, nicknamed the "Hurricane Highway", and progress made in the decade since its closure. Pontchartrain Conservancy Coasts & Community Program Director John Lopez (https://mississippiriverdelta.org/staff/john-lopez/), National Wildlife Federation Gulf Program Deputy Director Amanda Moore (http://mississippiriverdelta.org/staff/amanda-moore/), and Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development CEO Arthur Johnson (http://sustainthenine.org/team/) offer their invaluable perspectives on the channel's devastating impact to the surrounding communities and ecosystem prior to its closure in 2009, particularly when it acted as a funnel for storm surge when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The panelists also discuss the rebound made by the ecosystem over the past 10 years that was captured in a recently released report (https://mrgomustgo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MRGO-White-Paper-10-01-2020.pdf) and increased community engagement around coastal restoration.

Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! Today, Simone and Jacques talk about the ongoing efforts by Louisiana's state agencies and nonprofits to increase coastal resilience in relation to climate change. First, we catch up with Jeannette Dubinin, the Director of Resilience and Adaptation for the Center for Planning Excellence, or CPEX. She talks about some of their exciting new projects and their free virtual Smart Growth Summit that is currently underway -- and accepting participants (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsummit.cpex.org%2Fregister.&data=02%7C01%7Cjhebert%40edf.org%7C6cf3b8f0ef7f436edae908d8706beb4d%7Cfe4574edbcfd4bf0bde843713c3f434f%7C0%7C0%7C637382956117667552&sdata=inSS%2Bm%2BV%2B%2B%2B4y5xnfIjxAlyqrR%2FcJw%2B1rfVKrN9%2FB3o%3D&reserved=0)! Their next session is focused on green infrastructure (https://www.facebook.com/centerforplanningexcellence/photos/a.468217931361/10157000250536362/) in Louisiana. Louisiana's first Chief Resilience Officer Charles Sutcliffe (https://gov.louisiana.gov/page/governors-office-of-coastal-activities) joined us for our second segment, providing the juicy details about the governor's latest executive orders focused on lowering carbon emissions across the state and increasing collaboration between state agencies to promote resilience initiatives. This podcast came in the wake of Hurricane Delta striking southwest Louisiana just six weeks after Hurricane Laura. To help with recovery, check out our list of resources: http://mississippiriverdelta.org/laurarelief