Reforestation after Katrina at Couturie Forest

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In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed Couturie Forest; 95% of its trees died.  Since then, City Park personnel and volunteers have been replanting -- over 2000 trees so far, including bald cypress, southern magnolia, red maple, sycamore and various oaks.  Removing invasive species has been another objective.  Since 2009 the Couturie Forest Reforestation Project (CFRP) has expanded the park, from 33 to 60 acres, and included 20 stakeholders.[1]

Couturie Forest after Katrina
Photo credit: City Park trail sign

On top of the usual perks of planting trees (wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, erosion control), New Orleans especially benefits.  As a city below sea level, trees help absorb and transpire rainwater, offsetting the need for artificial pumps.  Trees also help shade and cool the city.[2]

Below are some trees planted by the CFRP.  For a full list of trees throughout the park, see Trees of New Orleans.

Planted baldcypress.

Planted southern magnolia

Planted loblolly pine (

Planted oaks.

Planted baldcypress.

Good tips for Identifying trees.  

Check your answers with this list: Trees of New Orleans

Attracting birds to spread seeds for us:
a method for assisted natural reforestation.

For further reading on the CFRP

• "About," Couturie Forest Reforestation Project [1] 
• "New Orleans to install 240 New Trees," Curbed New Orleans, Dec. 16, 2016 [2] 
• "Couturie Forest," New Orleans City Park
• Friends of New Orleans City Park