Development and the Wetlands

Development and the Wetlands

The Northshore's Wetlands Dilemma

Development on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain (Source: PC)

As communities grow and prosper they require additional space, but what does this mean for the wetlands that border these urban areas? Investigate stakeholder perspectives, the consequences of the loss of wetlands, and possible alternatives to the destruction of these valuable resources.

Guided Review

Each module will include a combination of readings, videos, and online resources to create an immersive virtual experience. This review is also intended to inspire further investigation, so please explore the resources available below as well as the associated Environmental Explorations.

Guided Explorations

Each session includes guidelines and materials to explore the featured topic. Our guided explorations are also designed with space for educators to make the sessions their own!  Use the included materials, or draw from the Resource Toolbox below to tweak the sessions for your specific needs.

Resource Toolbox

Use these curated resources from a wide variety of organizations to learn more about development and the wetlands. Watch a video or listen in on a webinar. Focus on what kinds of questions the data can answer. Share your lesson plans with us, and we will add them to the collection! Find answers to your questions.  Review Relevant Terms...

Articles & Reports

Articles on the impact of human development on wetlands, shoreline changes on Lake Pontchartrain's Northshore, and recommendations for wetland restoration and conservation for use by you and your students.

DIY Resources

Learn how to build a wetland in your backyard and utilize rain gardens to manage stormwater!

More Lesson Plans

Lesson plans focused on wetlands concepts and the complex decisions that must be made when developing near them.

Online Resources

Interactive tools and websites including St. Tammany Parish's Geoportal, the CIMS Spatial Viewer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Wetlands Mapper, and more.

Webinars & Other Courses

Webinars and online courses that take a deep dive into topics including corporate conservation, blue-green infrastructure, and more.

Various Data

Maps showing land use on the Northshore over multiple years, recommendations for development on the Northshore, Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan, and more.

Videos

Includes short videos about wetlands, their benefits, land use and urbanization, and more.