In the 1960 s, saltwater intrusion in a southeast Louisiana swamp killed the trees and plants that lived there. Now restored with freshwater, the overload has actually become the ideal area for revegetation projects– particularly since healthy swamps can act as a speed bump to slow down cyclones.
That’s one reason the open water of Bayou Bienvenue, as soon as home to cypress and tupelo trees, currently holds an island of native trees, grasses– and recycled glass. The fabricated island is aiding scientists comprehend a brand-new approach to coastal remediation.