March 2005

Events:

We are happy to announce the creation of a new listserve to meet the needs of educators interested in the Louisiana wetlands. An informal group called the Louisiana Wetland Education Coalition (LaWEC) has initiated this tool to help distribute materials and workshop information that are focused on wetlands information and are appropriate for the K-12 education forum (both informal and formal education).

If you would like to join the Louisiana Wetland Education Coalition listserve, sign up.

Photo of the Month:

Chandeleur Island Lighthouse,
before and after Hurricane Ivan 2004

From:
USGS – National Wetlands Research Center
Thomas C. Michot (Pilot/Biologist) USGS NWRC
Scott Wilson (Electronics Engineer) USGS NWRC
Aerial Survey Dates: 8/11/04 and 9/18/04
The image on the left is before Hurricane Ivan.
The image on the right is after Hurricane Ivan.
Both images shows the Chandeleur Lighthouse in the square box.
The pictures were taken 39 days apart.
To learn more about the devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan visit: http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/hurricane/postivanphotos.htm

Cool Resources:

Jason Project logo Work with REAL scientists in the Louisiana Bayou doing REAL research that applies to YOUR neighborhood!

Each year, the world-renowned JASON Foundation for Education and a team of researchers mount a major scientific expedition in one or more of the Earth's most fascinating places. This year, JASON Expedition: Disappearing Wetlands will virtually bring middle grade students to the Louisiana bayou to explore the wetlands ecosystems.

Wetlands are critical life-supporting ecosystems found throughout the world that provide habitat for an incredible diversity of plants and animals. They are the nurseries for countless species of fish and shellfish that we depend on for food, protect vulnerable coastlines from hurricanes and storm surges, and help filter and purify the small amount of freshwater that is found on our planet. Wetlands are also threatened ecosystems. The mission of JASON Expedition: Disappearing Wetlands is to better understand what wetlands are, why they are disappearing, and how to best manage these ecosystems in Louisiana, in your neighborhood, and around the world. For more information about JASON, or to join the Expedition, visit http://www.jason.org.

Information provided by JASON.org

Quote of the Month:

“Louisiana’s wetlands are twice the size of the Everglades National Park, funnel more oil into the United States than the Alaska pipeline, sustain one of the nation’s largest fisheries, and provide vital hurricane protection for New Orleans. And they’re disappearing under the Gulf of Mexico at the rate of 33 football fields a day.”

From: October 2004 “National Geographic Magazine”
Gone with the Water
By: Joel K. Bourne, Jr. – Assistant Editor

Visit National Geographic on the Web at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/.

To learn more about what Mr. Joel Bourne has to say about “the Lost Coast,” visit
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/

This wonderful quote and the striking images in the 2004 National Geographic Magazine remind us as educators and citizens of the daunting task that stands before us.

Organization of the Month:

The Louisiana Coastal Wetland Conservation and Restoration Task Force includes five federal agencies and the state of Louisiana working together to help restore and rebuild Louisiana’s wetlands through a variety of restoration techniques.

In addition to the 146 projects managed by the Task Force, it also provides educational material to teachers and the general public.

To learn more about the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA- pronounced kwǐp-rŭ) and the actions of the Task Force visit the web at www.LaCoast.gov. Search the education and classroom segments of the site for cool activities, detailed maps, fun games, downloadable videos, and a grand Web quest.

The Task Force is pleased to host information for the LaWEC educational group at www.LaCoast.gov/education/lawec.

For additional information about CWPPRA, contact Heidi Hitter at heidi_hitter@usgs.gov or 337-266-8626

If you would like to submit nominations for “Quote of the Month,” “Photo of the Month,” “Cool Resource,” or “Organization of the Month,” please email heidi_hitter@usgs.gov with the information and any necessary reference material.

[The Current Contact is Dave Marks at lacoast@nwrccom.cr.usgs.gov or (337) 266-8623. -Webmaster]