This project, which I have been personally involved/invested in since the beginning, brought together small GNO’s, state agencies, tribal communities and landscape architects to solve a real-world problem for a coastal community. Grand Bayou Village is one of the most remote Native American communities in the country. Located in the southern reaches of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, it is accessible only by boat and on the front lines of climate change. Historically they are linked to the Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha people. During community engagement and outreach work led by the state to support the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the tribe identified that increased flooding and saltwater intrusion was preventing them from growing food and ceremonial plants. In 2022 TWC led their second Edible Planter Box Competition in partnership with CPRA and the Grand Bayou Tribe, leading to the to design of the floating planter boxes. Now we need to get them built!

Our mission is to build a diverse network for all who are impacted by flood risk that focuses on equitable practices to sustainably live and thrive with water. We envision an inclusive network of communities who work to make our world climate resilient and New Orleans a leader in rights-based water management.