Since 1989, Pontchartrain Conservancy has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, and the future of the sixteen parishes in the Pontchartrain Basin. Science informs everything we do.
Our Mission
Pontchartrain Conservancy's mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy.
Our Vision
An environmentally sustainable, prosperous, and resilient region.
Our History
In 1989, a group of citizens and scientists voiced concern towards the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. This action led to the establishment of Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (later Pontchartrain Conservancy), our sole focus being the health and prosperity of the lake and basin.
Our "Save Our Lake" campaign becomes a well-recognized motto throughout the region. Raising awareness in our mission and driving support through environmental stewardship, we encourage everyone to understand their crucial role in protecting our waterways, and our community.
After decades of clamshell dredging, we work with the state of Louisiana to successfully ban clamshell dredging in Lake Pontchartrain. The goal was to help clam populations recover and help restore the health of the lake.
Establishment of our water quality program and the beginning of our publication of weekly water quality results enable public access and awareness on the status of the lake.
Our coastal program is formed, expanding our area of research and advocacy to coastal restoration. The guiding principles of the program are the Multiple Lines of Defense Strategy and the Comprehensive Habitat Management Plan, which serve as a blueprint for conservation and restoration efforts in the Pontchartrain Basin.
Swamp Restoration program is established to support coastal restoration efforts. To date, we have restored over 420 acres of wetlands with over 110,00 trees planted.
Acquisition and reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse, formerly a station for the U.S. Coast Guard. Reopening as the New Canal Lighthouse & Museum as our community outreach and education center.
Our new tagline, "Science for Our Coast," conveys our leadership in coastal sustainability, water quality, and science education. Science drives everything we do. We continue to grow our programs with the belief that people are at the center of environmental sustainability in our region. We will ensure that Louisiana’s beautiful Pontchartrain Basin is preserved and prospering, for generations to come.
What We Do
Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy.
Research
We are the region's leading scientific research organization. Our work improves water quality, local education curriculum, and south Louisiana’s coastal integrity.
Education
We create innovative education programs for all ages throughout the Basin. Our Lighthouse is where science meets our community.
Advocacy
Our science is transforming environmental indifference, confusion and fear into understanding, advocacy and activism.
Our Work
Pontchartrain Conservancy’s programmatic areas work throughout the 16 parishes of the Pontchartrain Basin to advance our mission.
Our Team
Kristi Trail
Executive Director
Domenica Antonucci
Office Manager
Ridgely Myers
Director of Operations
Holli Hamilton Lindsey
Director of Finance
Phillip Hutchins
Staff Accountant
Frank Martinez
Human Resources Director
Amie DeHarde
Staff Accountant
Katie Buc
Administrative Assistant Intern
Kimberly Cooke
Grants Manager
Michael Hopkins, Ph.D.
Science Director
Adam Songy
Coastal Scientist
David Baker
Coastal Scientist
Eva Hillmann, Ph.D.
Senior Coastal Scientist
George Washburn, Ph.D.
Coastal Wetland Ecologist
Jack Connolly
Field Coordinator
Greg Wakeland
Americorps Tree Nursery Coordinator
Corey Miller
Community Engagement Director
Dwight Williams
Maintenance Manager
Kate Tannian
Lighthouse Programs and Interpretation Manager
Dennis Clutter
Community Engagement Coordinator
Emma Fredrick
Americorps Outreach Coordinator
Tommy Cleary
Americorps Lighthouse Program Educator
Michelle Robison
Lighthouse Assistant
Sam McGill
Lighthouse Maintenance Assistant
Regina Wilkins
Development and Communications Director
Raquel Derganz Baker
Communications Coordinator
Scot Pilie
Social Media Specialist
Hayley White
Community Science & Education Manager
Cecilia Hammond
Enviromental Education Co-Coordinator
Makenzie Reich
Enviromental Education Co-Coordinator
Ronny Carter
Wastewater Specialist
Holly Fraychineaud
Water Quality Coordinator
Grace Townsend
Water Quality Technician
Our Values
Truth
Scientific fact drives everything we do. We are leaders of evidence-based science about the current and future state of our environment.
Integrity
Our actions are based on solid data and integrity. We are not swayed by politics or emotion. We stand behind our work and results.
Respect
Respect for the environment is essential to stewardship. We honor the contributions of all colleagues and stakeholders. True prosperity can be achieved when respect drives our motivations and actions towards the environment.
Collaboration
We believe true impact can only be accomplished through cooperation. Respectful partnerships compel trust in our work, and achieve sustainable results for the region’s environment.
Inclusion
All in the region should benefit from our environment. Including each other and all of our stakeholders in the work we do increases the potential for impact. We believe inclusive access catalyzes stewardship, drives accountability for the environment’s care, and leads to long term sustainability.
Our Board
Officers
LaVerne Toombs
Chair
Dickie Brennan
Vice-Chair
Amy Cohen
Secretary
Michael Kelly
Treasurer
Directors
Danielle Bourg
Patrick Cresson
David Campbell
Elizabeth Ellison-Frost
Lee Henderson
Martin Landrieu
John Alden Meade
Patrick Cresson
David Campbell
Elizabeth Ellison-Frost
Lee Henderson
Martin Landrieu
John Alden Meade
Natalie Robottom
Nick Trist III
David Waggonner
Carl Britt
Jennifer Armentor
Zoila Osteicoechea
Robert Williamson
Nick Trist III
David Waggonner
Carl Britt
Jennifer Armentor
Zoila Osteicoechea
Robert Williamson
Get Involved
Discover the many ways you can contribute to save Southeast Louisiana. Take part in a tree planting, aid in gardening and instruction at our Lighthouse, or giveback in other ways. We need you today!
Support Our Work
By supporting Pontchartrain Conservancy, you have the opportunity to help save the Louisiana you know and love. Your support enables us to build a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient region together.