Waters By-You

The Waters By-You: New Orleans East Cohort came together to develop green infrastructure pilot projects and a community water plan for New Orleans East. Our efforts culminated in a design presentation showcasing concepts for sustainable water management. Residents and experts joined us in mock-ups and walkthroughs, contributing valuable feedback that will guide the implementation of two green infrastructure projects in the coming year.

Since graduating from the Waters By-You cohort, many participants have deepened their commitment to water management and environmental stewardship in New Orleans East. Several alumni have taken active roles in their communities, engaging in advocacy and civic projects to address local water issues. Their involvement highlights the ongoing impact of the program and the vital role of community-driven water resilience efforts.

• Trainings

  Joined by Civic Studio, Water Leaders Institute, Healthy Gulf, Batture Engineering, and additional community partners for a series of learning opportunities and workshops to reimagine our relationship to water and work towards the implementation of canal-side green infrastructure projects in New Orleans East.

  We met with technical experts, shared knowledge, explored local environments, and co-created resources to build a foundation for long-term engagement with the green infrastructure projects that will be constructed in 2024. 

• Field Trips

  Path of Water Tour 1 – Citrus Canal: Explore the Citrus Canal and follow the path of water from neighboring urbanized areas into the canal and from there towards Lake Pontchartrain. Help map and document potential green infrastructure sites, and identify challenges and opportunities.
  
  Boating in Bayou Sauvage Urban Wildlife Refuge
  
  Path of Water Tour 2 – Maxent Lagoon: Explore the Maxent Lagoon and follow the path of water from neighboring farms and urbanized areas into the lagoon, and from there out towards Bayou Sauvage. Help map and document potential green infrastructure sites, and identify challenges and opportunities.  
  
  Abundance in the East Tour: Explore gardens, wetlands, green infrastructure, and public spaces in New Orleans East and surrounding areas. Tour of the VEGGI Farmers Cooperative farm, Citrus Canal, Pump Station 10, and Sankofa Wetland and Walking Trail

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• 4 Workshops

  Workshop 1 – Waste and Water Quality: explore the relationship between trash, urban waterways, pollution, and public health

  Workshop 2 – Plants and Fish: learn about the plants and creatures that live in the drainage canals of New Orleans East­
  
  Workshop 3 – Water Hyacinth: learn about this invasive plant and experiment with beneficial uses of this plant

  Workshop 4 – Canals and Green Infrastructure Design: explore green infrastructure possibilities for improving drainage and environmental quality