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The Cornerstone: Cypress Trees Protect the Northshore from Coastal Erosion
THE CORNERSTONE:
CYPRESS TREES PROTECT THE NORTHSHORE FROM COASTAL EROSION
BY HILARY CREAMER
Nothing epitomizes the South Louisiana landscape better than cypress trees. But these stalwarts do much more than offer an iconic image. Cypress trees stand sentry over our vulnerable ecosystems, serving as a natural line of defense against coastal erosion.
That’s why the Pontchartrain Conservancy has spent years planting 90,000 trees in strategic locations along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The nonprofit organization uses scientific research, education and advocacy to promote environmental sustainability and stewardship in the 10,000-squaremile watershed known as the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, which includes St. Tammany Parish.
Uniquely tolerant of wet conditions, the native trees’ deep roots stabilize the soil, helping to prevent erosion, said Michael Hopkins, Ph.D., the Conservancy’s coastal program director.
“Cypress trees are a cornerstone species that thrive in this area, provide a habitat for existing wildlife, and live a long time due to their hardiness,” Hopkins said.
The trees also protect the soil during hurricanes and tropical storms. “It’s all about breaking down the energy of storm surges and waves, and trees can do that better than grass or shrubs,” Hopkins said.
Hurricane Ida tested that notion. In 2021, Pontchartrain Conservancy volunteers planted 2,400 young cypress trees along the Tchefuncte River. Hurricane Ida rolled ashore six months later, giving Hopkins and his team a chance to assess the impact of their efforts.
“We measured a 98% success in the survival of those trees, even after the damage from Hurricane Ida,” Hopkins said. “My team regularly monitors 350 trees to sample progress, and we have seen a steady increase in the diameter of the trees.”
WHY THE NORTHSHORE?
Coastal erosion is a constant and immediate threat, but it’s not just the coast that is affected. The Northshore is not only vulnerable to coastal erosion but plays a vital role in stemming it.
“The Northshore may not face the same threats as areas south of Lake Pontchartrain, but its vulnerabilities lie in protecting those areas farther south and east,” Hopkins said. “Everything south and east of the Northshore helps to protect the Northshore. If those areas are lost, it means storm surge and waves can penetrate farther inland and that increases the risks to Northshore communities.”
And those risks increase exponentially over time. For example, the impact of a storm identical to Ida could be much more significant five years from now if mitigation efforts are not implemented. Without action now, large storms will cause more damage and force longer recovery times. Damage from saltwater intrusion also causes a domino effect. When root systems are destroyed, plant life dies, causing the ground to become more vulnerable to shrinking sediment and causing native wildlife to relocate.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
The Northshore’s natural beauty makes it an attractive place to live. But as one of the fastest-growing communities in Louisiana, urbanization creates a pressure point for local natural ecosystems.
“Conservation and restoration are a necessary part of community planning,” Hopkins said. “The Northshore community has a unique opportunity to consider natural areas as it expands, arrive at solutions that work for both human and natural populations and consider both as funding opportunities arise.”
Northshore residents can volunteer with the Pontchartrain Conservancy in a variety of ways.
People with green thumbs can work at the organization’s nursery in Metairie, which houses nearly 5,000 young trees in need of weeding, fertilizing and potting. Residents can also serve on the Restoration or Outreach teams, help with events, work as a volunteer educator or museum docent or make a donation to support the Pontchartrain Conservancy’s mission.
