SAT-C10: The Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective: Reconnecting Communities to Environment and Culture

Saturday, October 11, 2025

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM CT

Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room R08-R09

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW, AICP, ISA, NY/HSW, FL

Speaker(s)

Diane J. Allen, FASLA

Director of Landscape Architecture/Principal Landscape Architect
UT Arlington/DesignJones LLC
Arlington, Texas
Christina G. Lehew (she/her/hers)

Executive Director
Common Ground Relief
New Orleans, Louisiana
Natalie Manning (she/her/hers)

Director of Program Development
L9 Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development
New Orleans, Louisiana

Wetlands are now appreciated as landscapes that combat the impacts of climate change. In 2024, five nonprofit organizations came together in a collaborative effort to restore the Louisiana Central Wetlands, including the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland triangle adjacent to the Lower 9th Ward, that includes and connects to the adjacent communities.

Learning Outcomes:

Learn different approaches for engaging community within wetland restoration projects.
Learn how to incorporate community-based knowledge and culture within the restoration processes.
Learn wetland restoration methodologies and techniques.
Learn about the variety of trees and grasses used in implementation.