“When I first became aware of The Woodlands Conservancy I learned it had multiple missions in addition to promoting the outdoors with a unique hiking trail in a hardwood forest. One of the missions was the preservation of wildlife and migratory bird habitat. This had great appeal to me as I was keenly aware that urban development was slowly reducing the necessary habitat and I wanted to get involved and assist an organization that was addressing this problem.”

“I chose to be on the Board because I believed in the conservancy of the bottom lands for the birds and wildlife that lived there as well as the protection the wooded area gave New Orleans from storms and hurricanes. Along with all the good things the Conservancy does, it provides a great learning experience for our children.”

“Before 2012, I knew that Woodlands Conservancy provided hiking and equestrian trails. What I didn’t know was that the forests managed by Woodlands Conservancy provide critical hurricane protection for our region and particularly for English Turn. At a presentation, I was astounded to learn that Katrina destroyed 80% of the tree canopy in the 630-acre Woodlands Trail forest that borders English Turn. Clearly, the forest had served as both a protective natural wind break and a natural sponge to absorb the tremendous amount of rain associated with the storm.“

“In the immediate aftermath of the storm, invasive tree species grew aggressively and threatened not only the re-growth of native tree species but also the habitat of numerous migratory and resident bird species as well as wildlife. Woodlands Conservancy embarked on a well-documented, science-driven plan to eradicate the invasive tree species and re-populate the forest with native trees, which also re-established healthy habitats for birds and wildlife. Over the last 12 years, 350 acres have been restored and work continues to restore the rest of the forest. It has been a privilege to support the ongoing work to re-establish the forest that helps to protect our homes and the communities of metropolitan New Orleans.”