What can toughen Louisiana coast against worsening storms? 4 years and 30,000 trees

In the wetlands of coastal southeast Louisiana, conservation groups are wrapping up a four-year project to plant 30,000 trees. The idea is to protect shoreline from storm surges due to extreme weather as well as prevent further erosion and saltwater intrusion, especially around the city of New Orleans. Many volunteers have vivid memories of Katrina. The 2005 hurricane devastated much of the South and wiped away much of the natural barrier now being restored. They say the project is a way to cope with lingering pain from that disaster. One organizer said it's also part of a bigger movement to resist a “doomerism” mindset and show recovery is possible.