In 2006, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) helped restore Louisiana‘s Lake Pontchartrain into a revitalized economic and recreational resource for the entire region.
Now, to help the organization evolve into a new phase of regional restoration, resilience and revitalization, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation has rebranded itself as the Pontchartrain Conservancy. The move expands their scope to include the entire Lake Pontchartrain Basin and Louisiana coast.
As the decline of Louisiana’s coast has visibly accelerated, Pontchartrain Conservancy has extended its focus to include coastal sustainability. The organization created and coined the “Multiple Lines of Defense” strategy for coastal restoration and storm protection in 2006. Pontchartrain Conservancy’s new tagline, “Science for Our Coast,” aims to communicate this success.
LPBF was founded in 1989 by scientists and community leaders to confront Louisiana’s coastal crisis of diminishing water quality and land loss. Over the past 31 years, the organization has worked to save Lake Pontchartrain and facilitate programs for coastal sustainability, water quality and education.
“The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation has become a beacon of success for other environmental organizations around the country who look to our scientists as experts in environmental preservation,” said Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail.
“However, there has been much confusion as to who we are and what we do, and a lack of awareness regarding our successes and current programming. We’re proud that this new brand identity will showcase the accomplishments of our organization and garner continued support of our critical work,” she explained.
The New Canal Lighthouse Museum will continue to function as both Pontchartrain Conservancy’s headquarters and education center. The Education Department will continue its mission of promoting awareness and activism through public outreach initiatives and the development of innovative environmental curriculum to educate students from grade school through college, as well as teachers.
“As our region faces increasing environmental threats and challenges, our organization’s programs have never been as vital to Louisiana, and to the nation, as they are today,” Trail concluded.
Pontchartrain Conservancy’s Water Quality Program will continue to monitor and trace sources of pollution, assist in the correction of failing wastewater systems and advocate for green infrastructure and watershed management.
All images courtesy of Pontchartrain Conservancy.