Leeville: A Testament to Resilience and a Vision for Restoration
Louisiana’s Coastal Crisis
Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are vanishing at an alarming rate, posing a severe environmental and human crisis. Over the past century, more than 2,000 square miles of wetlands—25% of Louisiana’s landmass in 1932—have eroded due to natural and human activities. Rising sea levels, intensified storms, and subsidence caused by climate change have further endangered the fragile coastline.
Since 2010, sea levels along the Gulf of Mexico have risen by an average of half an inch annually, with projections estimating an increase of 14 to 18 inches in the next three decades. This unprecedented rise, coupled with intensifying storm events, threatens millions of lives in southeast Louisiana. The land loss continues at a staggering rate, equivalent to a football field every 100 minutes. Without intervention, Louisiana risks losing an additional 1,100 square miles—an area the size of Rhode Island—within 30 years.
The Impact on Leeville
Leeville, Louisiana, stands as a stark symbol of the state’s coastal crisis and the resilience of its people. Founded by survivors of the devastating 1893 hurricane that destroyed nearby Cheniere Caminada, Leeville grew into a thriving fishing village, deeply rooted in Louisiana’s seafood industry and coastal culture. However, the town has borne the brunt of decades of land subsidence, rising seas, and increasingly severe storms. Today, over 70-80% of Leeville has sunk beneath the Gulf of Mexico, leaving behind weathered stilted homes, abandoned boats, and a landscape transformed by loss. The devastating impacts of hurricanes, particularly Katrina, Ida, and others, have further eroded its infrastructure and community.
Despite these challenges, Leeville remains a powerful symbol of resilience and determination, representing the struggles faced by many coastal communities. Its story is a poignant reminder of what is at stake, making it a fitting location for bold restoration initiatives aimed at preserving Louisiana’s coast, its culture, and its heritage for future generations.
A Collaborative Effort for Coastal Restoration
CRCL is proud to partner with FORCE BLUE, NFL Green, the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, and the Chefs Brigade—an alliance of Gulf Coast restaurants, chefs, and caterers—for a transformative coastal restoration project in Leeville.
During Super Bowl Week in New Orleans this February, our team will construct a living shoreline along the waters of Leeville in Lafourche Parish. This image above captures low tide at the location designated for the upcoming Leeville Reef project. This project will include the creation of an oyster reef and the planting of marsh grass, forming a natural barrier to reduce erosion, buffer storm surge, and provide critical habitat for local wildlife.
Restoring Leeville, One Reef at a Time
By investing in nature-based solutions like living shorelines, we aim to slow land loss, protect vulnerable communities, and preserve the cultural and economic heritage of Louisiana’s coast. This project will not only restore portions of Leeville’s shoreline but will also serve as a beacon of hope and action for other communities facing similar challenges.
Join us in supporting this vital work and ensuring a more sustainable future for Leeville and all of Louisiana’s coast. Together, we can rebuild our shores, one shell at a time.
Other resources –
Back the team – Donate to CRCL today
Why it matters – See why we need to protect our MVP
Get in the game – See how you can make an impact