Land Trust for Louisiana

Land Trust for Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization. We work to preserve some of the most fragile and important ecosystems in the country, using tools such as conservation easements and land acquisition, and partnering with local communities, landowners, businesses, and other non-profits. By permanently conserving Louisiana lands and waters, we are ensuring that our legacy is one of sustainability, respect, and love for the place we call home. In operation since 2004, we currently have nearly 15,000 acres in conservation all over Louisiana. We are a nationally accredited Land Trust in Louisiana that meets the quality standards for protecting Louisiana’s legacy lands forever. We are also a state-certified conservation organization, registered with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy. 

PROJECT SHOWCASE - Live Oak Farm

In South Louisiana, farmland is disappearing—quietly, steadily, and often permanently. While much attention is given to coastal land loss, another reality is unfolding alongside it: the loss of working agricultural lands that have shaped Louisiana’s culture, economy, and identity for generations.

At the center of this story is rice.

Rice farming is more than a crop in Louisiana—it’s a way of life. But today, rising costs, repeated storm impacts, and development pressures are pushing farmers to make difficult decisions. In places like Vermilion Parish, historic rice fields are increasingly being converted to sugarcane—or lost altogether to residential development.

Live Oak Farm stands as a powerful example of a different path forward. The Land Trust for Louisiana is proud to hold the easement on the 6000-acre farm, owned and operated by the Godchaux family. Live Oak Farm represents generations of connection to the land. For them, farming is not just a business—it’s a legacy. Childhood memories of fishing in canals, working the land, and learning from family have shaped a deep-rooted commitment to stewardship.

This landscape is a mosaic of ecosystems. Active rice fields provide critical habitat for water-dependent bird species throughout the year, offering an important safety net as coastal wetlands disappear. Nearly 1,000 acres of live oak woodlands support deer, squirrels, and countless bird species, fueled by seasonal acorn production. At the northern edge, cypress swamp habitats add another layer of ecological richness.

Together, these environments create a thriving, dynamic system—one where agriculture and wildlife not only coexist, but depend on each other.