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Engineering the Lake: The History of Dredging in Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain has long played a vital role in the development of New Orleans. Beyond serving as a natural landmark, it was once a major source of construction materials that helped shape the city’s infrastructure. For much of the 20th century, dredging was a common practice in the lake, and while it provided essential resources, it also brought significant engineering and environmental challenges.

Why was it dredged? 

The main goal of dredging in Lake Pontchartrain was the removal of sand and shells from the lakebed. These materials were in high demand for use in road foundations, concrete, and other construction projects. The process involved specialized dredging equipment that could excavate large volumes of sediment and shell, then transport it for processing and use. In many ways, dredging supported the rapid urban growth of New Orleans by supplying readily available, cost-effective materials.

Dredging is not a simple excavation task. It requires precise equipment and planning to operate in a submerged environment. Hydraulic dredges were commonly used in Lake Pontchartrain. These machines employ suction to remove sediments, pumping the material through pipelines to designated areas. Mechanical dredges were also used, which rely on clamshell buckets or draglines to scoop material from the lake bottom.

The engineering of it all

The engineering challenge lay in balancing efficiency with control. Dredging disturbed the lakebed and increased turbidity, which meant engineers had to constantly adjust methods and equipment to limit the spread of sediment plumes. This required careful coordination of dredge placement, pumping rates, and disposal locations.

Over time, the engineering community began to understand the broader implications of large-scale dredging. The removal of sand and shell disrupted the natural structure of the lakebed. This not only eliminated oyster reefs but also altered the stability of certain areas. Sediment suspension reduced water clarity and had long-term effects on aquatic habitats.

Another consideration was shoreline stability. By extracting materials from the lake, dredging indirectly affected natural erosion and sediment distribution processes. These impacts highlighted the fact that engineering solutions must consider both the immediate project goals and the long-term environmental system.

Environmental concerns

By the 1970s and 1980s, engineers, scientists, and policymakers began working together to assess the risks of continued dredging. Technical studies documented the impact on water quality and ecosystems, making it clear that the practice was unsustainable. As a result, the State of Louisiana eventually banned dredging in Lake Pontchartrain in the late 1980s.

From an engineering standpoint, this shift reflected a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship within the profession. The focus turned from resource extraction to restoration and protection, requiring a new set of engineering approaches such as shoreline stabilization, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration.

Applying lessons to today’s engineering

The history of dredging in Lake Pontchartrain illustrates both the value and the risks of engineering interventions in natural systems. At one time, dredging was a critical solution that provided the raw materials needed to build roads and infrastructure across New Orleans. Yet the unintended consequences demonstrated the importance of considering long-term ecological and structural impacts.

Modern engineering now applies these lessons by integrating environmental science into every stage of project planning. Lake Pontchartrain has since seen significant improvements in water quality and ecosystem health, proving that engineering can adapt and evolve to meet both human and environmental needs.

 

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Bridging Communities and Projects at Batture

When you hear the title Executive Assistant, you might picture calendars, phone calls, and spreadsheets, but at Batture, LLC, the role goes far beyond that. While Ellen’s official title is Executive Assistant, the scope of her work includes office management, human resources, marketing, accounting, and increasingly, community outreach. It’s a unique blend of behind-the-scenes operations and front-facing collaboration with the public: two areas that have more in common than you’d think.

How the Community Outreach Role Came To Be

Before joining Batture, Ellen spent nearly 15 years working in event planning and educational programming, serving as a Fundraising Events Director for organizations like the Audubon Nature Institute and the National WWII Museum. When she transitioned into the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) field, it felt natural to take on the community engagement components of our projects.

At Batture, we recognize that successful infrastructure and planning projects must reflect the values and voices of the people they serve. That’s where Ellen comes in, working closely with residents and stakeholders to ensure their perspectives are considered early and often in the planning process.

What Community Outreach Means

In the context of engineering and project planning, community outreach means more than handing out flyers or hosting a meeting. It’s about building trust, encouraging dialogue, and creating inclusive opportunities for people to weigh in on the spaces and services that affect their daily lives. Ellen’s role is to help make that happen by facilitating conversations, listening to feedback, and advocating for community-driven solutions.

“As someone without formal engineering training, I often see things from a different lens than my colleagues. I ask different questions, and I connect with people in different ways. That diversity of thought and experience is key to truly representative planning.”

 

A Project Close to the Heart

One of the most meaningful projects Ellen has worked on so far is the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge Access Study. Batture was recently commissioned by the Regional Planning Commission to develop a transportation plan aimed at improving recreational access to the Refuge, especially for non-motorized users. Ellen partnered with Project Manager Lauren Williams to assist with the community outreach portion of the project.

“This project had personal significance for me. I grew up hunting and fishing in the areas surrounding Bayou Sauvage—it’s a place woven into my own story. So to be part of a team working to preserve and enhance its future was deeply rewarding. Even more powerful was seeing awareness grow in the community. Many lifelong residents of New Orleans East had never heard of the Refuge. Helping to change that was a highlight of the work.”

Our team spoke with birdwatchers, bicyclists, conservationists, and curious first-time visitors, all of whom shared unique perspectives. That kind of engagement fuels better project outcomes and helps protect a space that means so much to so many.

Admin Meets Advocacy

You might wonder how all of this fits with Ellen’s duties as Executive Assistant. In both roles, it comes down to thinking ahead and thinking of others: whether it’s anticipating the needs of a colleague or understanding what matters most to a neighborhood, the little things make a big difference. It’s all about service, support, and connection.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, we’re excited to support the City of New Orleans on an extension of the Lafitte Greenway, a beloved public space with strong community ties. This next phase will require the same deep listening and collaborative planning that guided our work in Bayou Sauvage.

We know how important the Greenway is to residents, and we’re honored to help bring more people into the conversation as the vision for its future takes shape.

At Batture, community outreach isn’t an afterthought, it’s integral to the way we design and plan. And for Ellen, it’s a privilege to help make sure every voice has a seat at the table.

 

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Designing the Future: A. Baldwin Wood and the Invention That Transformed New Orleans

Engineers are the architects of the future, designing solutions that push boundaries, solve complex problems, and shape the world we live in. This year’s Engineers Week theme, “Design Your Future,” is a rallying cry for creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking in engineering. As we celebrate this vision, we look to the past for inspiration—specifically to A. Baldwin Wood, a New Orleans engineer whose ingenuity transformed an entire city.

A Visionary Solution to a Century-Old Problem

At the turn of the 20th century, much of New Orleans was uninhabitable due to its swampy landscape and chronic flooding. Traditional drainage systems were inadequate for the city’s unique geography. But in 1899, a young mechanical engineer named A. Baldwin Wood, fresh out of Tulane University, joined the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board and set out to solve one of the city’s most persistent challenges.

Wood’s screw pump, first developed in 1913, revolutionized drainage technology. Capable of moving massive amounts of water over levees and out of the city, this invention allowed New Orleans to expand beyond its natural ridges into areas previously considered unlivable. His designs were so effective that they not only shaped the city’s development but also influenced water management systems around the world, from the Netherlands to Egypt.

A Lasting Legacy of Engineering Excellence

More than a century later, many of Wood’s original pumps remain in operation, outlasting modern replacements. In fact, during Hurricane Katrina, some of the oldest Wood pumps at Pump Station No. 1 continued running even as newer, more powerful models failed. Their reliability is a testament to the power of thoughtful, well-executed engineering—a quality that defines the best in the profession.

Wood’s legacy isn’t just about solving problems in his time—it’s about creating solutions that last for generations. That’s the true spirit of “Design Your Future”—engineering with an eye toward longevity, impact, and innovation.

Tomorrow: Engineering the Next Chapter

As we honor Engineers Week, A. Baldwin Wood’s story serves as a reminder that engineering is more than just building—it’s about reimagining what’s possible. Just as his innovations allowed New Orleans to grow and thrive, today’s engineers are shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and climate resilience.

At Batture, we carry this spirit forward, developing solutions that are built not just for today, but for the generations to come. We are inspired by the engineers who came before us—engineers like A. Baldwin Wood—who had the vision and ingenuity to design a better future.

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ENHANCING EXPERTISE THROUGH COLLABORATIVE LEARNING AT BATTURE

At Batture, we’re firm believers that professional development doesn’t happen in a classroom—it happens every day, in the course of real work, and often over a casual lunch with colleagues. That’s why we’ve established our monthly Team Training sessions, a space where our team members can expand their skills, deepen their knowledge, and share their expertise in a relaxed and supportive environment.

A Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our Team Training sessions take place on the first Friday of every month, during lunchtime. These gatherings are entirely voluntary and open to everyone, regardless of their role or current project involvement. This inclusive approach fosters a culture of learning where employees can explore topics outside of their typical job scope, gaining insights into the broader workings of our firm.

We recognize that learning is a shared experience, and the more we understand each other’s roles, the stronger we become as a team. By providing a platform where our team members can freely ask questions and dive into new subjects, we create an atmosphere of mutual support and collaboration.

Diverse Topics Led by Internal Experts

The topics covered in these sessions are as diverse as the projects we handle. We typically focus on subjects directly related to our ongoing work, offering “living” examples that make the learning process more practical and engaging. Recently, for instance, our team delved into Stormwater Calculations—a critical skill for a civil engineering project we were working on. This not only provided valuable training for those less familiar with the topic but also enhanced our collective problem-solving abilities.

Looking ahead, our upcoming session will cover such topics as Project Management. Our most recent training was a review of Visispecs (The Visual Specification System), a suite of tools designed to improve the coordination and verification of BIM models, project specifications, and other construction documents. This kind of technical training is essential for maintaining our high standards of quality and precision in every project we undertake.

Why We Prioritize Training

At Batture, we hold teamwork as one of our core values. We understand that our collective expertise and diverse perspectives are key to overcoming challenges and delivering exceptional results. These training sessions are a natural extension of this belief, providing a forum for team members to share their knowledge and learn from each other.

We also see training as a vital tool for enhancing our employees’ skills and boosting their performance. Well-trained employees are not only more efficient and productive, but they also feel more engaged and valued in their work. This, in turn, leads to higher job satisfaction, better communication, and lower turnover—outcomes that benefit both our team and our clients.

An Investment in Our Team’s Future

Perhaps most importantly, we view these trainings as an investment in our team members’ futures. Whether they stay with Batture for the long term or move on to new opportunities, we want them to leave with skills and experiences that will serve them well in any endeavor. We’re committed to helping our team grow—not just for the benefit of our firm, but for their personal and professional development as well.

Open to Ideas and Eager to Learn

We believe that learning should be a collaborative process, which is why we encourage our team members to suggest topics for future training sessions. We’ve even set up a dedicated Slack channel where employees can request specific training, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping their learning journey. This openness to ideas makes the process of learning more tailored and less daunting, allowing each team member to explore areas of interest at their own pace.

Join Our Team

If you’re interested in joining a company that values continuous learning and professional development, Batture might be the place for you. Our monthly Team Training sessions are just one example of how we invest in our employees, helping them grow both as professionals and as individuals. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and contribute to our collective success. Learn more about our openings here. 

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CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD: BATTURE’S COMMITTMENT TO FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICIES

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, but the truth is that being a working mom is extremely challenging. At Batture, we understand the importance of supporting our team members through every stage of their lives, especially when it comes to balancing the responsibilities of work and family, while we also acknowledge that even with robust family policies, the parents on our team face huge challenges. As we approach Mother’s Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the experiences of one of our valued team members, Mary Schambeau Johnson, MS, PE, a Professional Engineer at Batture.

Mary, a dedicated member of our team, is a mother of three beautiful children – two boys aged 6 and 4, and a one-year-old girl. She graciously shared her journey with us, highlighting the challenges of navigating growing her career while growing her family. Through the challenges, though, it’s clear that one factor plays a huge role in making life a little easier for working moms: flexibility. When asked about her experience, Mary emphasized the importance of flexibility in her workplace. “Batture offers a flexible work schedule and the ability to work remotely, which has been invaluable for managing school functions, sick days, and spending quality time with my family,” she said.

Having had two children while working at Batture, Mary spoke highly of the company’s supportive environment during these significant life transitions. “I never had to worry about taking time off to care for my children or adjust to life with a growing family,” she shared. “The maternity policy at Batture provided me with the time I needed to bond with my newborns and adapt to the changes, without feeling pressured to rush back to work.”

Mary’s story reflects Batture’s commitment to being a family-friendly workplace. Our parental policies are designed to support employees during life-changing events such as welcoming a new child into the family. Full-time, employed mothers are eligible for up to 12 consecutive weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or fostering, while fathers can take up to four consecutive weeks of paid leave to bond with their new arrivals.

Our support for parents extends beyond paid family leave. We offer unlimited paid time off (PTO), flexible office hours, and work-from-home options to accommodate the diverse needs of our team members. We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential for employee well-being and productivity, which is why we prioritize creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.

In addition to Mary, several other parents on our team have experienced the benefits of Batture’s family-friendly policies. From Hermann and Mark, who have four and two children respectively, to first-time dad Jake, who recently welcomed a baby girl, our team understands the importance of balancing career aspirations with the joys of parenthood.

At Batture, we recognize that supporting working parents isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also good for business. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and flexibility, we empower our team members to bring their best selves to work each day. Our core values of collaboration, respect, and innovation drive us to create exceptional outcomes while prioritizing the well-being of our employees and their families.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let us honor the dedication and resilience of all mothers, both in and out of the workplace. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful to have you as part of the Batture family.

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Meet the Women of the Incredible Landscape Architecture Team at Batture 

Text: Landscape Architecture at Batture in a white box over a picture of blurred grass in the background.

Landscape Architecture is a crucial part of Batture’s foundation and our two woman team keeps everything on solid ground.

Sophie and Lauren collaborate with our clients to bring their outdoor spaces to life. They conceptualize designs for commercial, institutional, and public spaces, which can include anything from parks and plazas to parking lots and plantings along public sidewalks.

Some recent projects Sophie and Lauren are particularly excited about are Annunciation and Nazareth Inn, a redevelopment project focusing on accessibility and site improvements for a senior living facility; a new dormitory project at Loyola University; and an outdoor student lounge on UNO’s campus. Our landscape architecture isn’t just for show (although it does look beautiful)– these are functional spaces that help shape the communities we share.

 

CONNECTED SPACES IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Our Landscape Architecture team specializes in resilient stormwater management and green infrastructure. If you’re familiar with the work we do at Batture, then you already know we prioritize systems that benefit both people and the environment. This balance is part of what drew Lauren and Sophie to this profession.

“In school, I became interested in natural disasters,” Lauren says. “I wanted to create designs that protect against flooding and help our urban world adapt to a changing environment.” Growing up, she always enjoyed the outdoors, being creative, and art, along with math, science, and health; as a profession, Landscape Architecture synthesizes these interests. Lauren uses her STEM background and creative thinking to help clients change with the environment, rather than against it.

“Landscape Architects learn how to blend and connect spaces between the built, unbuilt, and protected environments,” Sophie says. This is the balance we strive to maintain in our work at Batture.

 

A DAY IN THE LIFE

So, what is an average “day in the life” working as a Landscape Architect like? Well, there really isn’t one.

“No two days are the same,” Sophie says. “Some days are spent drafting in CAD, other days require graphic design work, site visits, client meetings, and communicating with the city. Projects are often in different phases between design and construction.” Wearing so many different hats keeps Sophie on her toes, and it’s part of why she loves this profession.

Lauren agrees, though she acknowledges that having to be adept at so many different things to execute a project can be challenging. “You need to understand pedestrian circulation and human behavior, topography, water systems and stormwater management, ecological systems, plant knowledge, aesthetics and function, materials like concrete, stone, metals, etc,” she says. Landscape Architects are also excellent communicators, and constantly stay keyed into the needs of clients, local communities, municipalities, and plants and animals. They’re proficient in a number of computer programs, like Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, they are problem solvers and artists, and handle administrative duties, too drafting up construction documents and meeting the requirements of a project’s municipality.

There is a common misconception that they do landscaping, but in reality, “planting design is incredibly important to what we do,” Sophie says, “but it is, oftentimes, a small fraction of our everyday workload.” A better name for them may be Exterior Architects since they usually work in exteriors.

 

LEARNING LANDSCAPE

Landscape Architecture is unfortunately a field where women are under-represented– currently, only 24.5% of landscape architects are women. However, this won’t always be the case.

“The percentage of women in school for landscape architecture is around 50%, so the demographics are changing!” Lauren says. She and Sophie love connecting with middle and high school girls through career days and Women in STEM camps to teach them about the profession.

The journey to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect is a rigorous one– prospective architects need either a 5-year undergraduate degree or a 3-year graduate degree, and have to pass four national licensure exams. In Louisiana, they also need to take a state test and have worked in the field for at least one year.

For Sophie and Lauren, it’s a worthy investment.

“I always tell everyone I meet they should go into landscape architecture,” Lauren says. For other women interested in the field, her advice is to stay curious, practice drawing, always ask questions, and be confident. “You have valid thoughts and opinions!”

To read more about landscape architecture, check out the American Society of Landscape Architects.

 

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All About Land Survey Technicians 

​​Ever​​ seen people in highlighter vests and hard hats setting up tripods and cameras and equipment on the side of the road and wondered what on earth they are doing? Those are Land Survey Technicians–they do the important work of mapping out the land, determining the boundaries of sites, and providing data to support construction and engineering projects. Read on to learn more about this field and what our Land Survey technicians at Batture do. 

First things first, what is land surveying? 

Land surveying is the process of taking precise measurements with specialized surveying equipment to determine where property boundary lines are located. Using a combination of high-tech equipment such as the Carlson BRx6 base and/or rover GPS and  Nikon Prismless 5” total stations, they survey road topography and grade to determine slope in order to aid in civil design and other projects. 

 

Why does land surveying matter? 

Simply put, almost every property development project begins with a survey. The data gathered lays the foundation for safe, legal, and efficient construction and development projects, ensuring that structures will be built correctly and won’t encroach on anyone else’s property. Land surveying also helps gain an understanding of the topographical features of the land, such as building locations, ground cover, vegetation and tree types, which are important factors in construction planning. 

If you’ve ever wondered where your property lines are, a professional land surveyor can help you find them using a combination of property research, physical evidence and professional judgement to determine property line locations.

A legal description of your property is critical for various purposes, such as deeds, contracts, or zoning applications. It precisely identifies the boundaries and location of your land and is typically filed at the assessor’s office. If you need to find your property lines, a land surveyor is your friend. 

 

What does the Batture Survey team do? 

At Batture, the Survey team is made up of four professionals who handle all needs related to topographic, utility survey, boundary survey, resubdivision, construction benchmarks, elevation certificates, and finish floor waivers. Their day-to-day experience varies, with much of the work taking place in the field, braving the elements—and those of us in the Greater New Orleans area know how dramatic the elements can be. Rain or shine or summer heat advisory, they make sure the job gets done well so our partners, clients, and in-house design team are set up for success. 

 

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Learn about our work with Engineers without Borders

The health of our community– in terms of both the people and the environment– are paramount to Batture’s mission. To anyone who follows our work, it should come as no surprise that we have a long history with Engineers Without Borders, a coalition of student and professional volunteers that embraces a global understanding of community. Unfamiliar with their wide-reaching work? Read on.

How did Engineers Without Borders start?

Engineers Without Borders began in 2001, when a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder visited Belize and experienced the painful reality of indigenous populations who lacked clean water. Aside from the obvious health issues that come with an absence of sanitation infrastructure, most of the children of this San Pablo community could not attend school because they were walking miles both ways to collect water.

With the technical skills of engineering professionals and the local community’s own knowledge of natural resources, it was possible to install a clean water system supplied by a large waterfall. This simple, low-cost solution through engineering projects encapsulates the spirit of Engineers Without Borders, as well as Batture’s own mission: practical solutions for climate-conscious infrastructure in collaboration with, and in service of, local communities.

 

How is Batture involved with Engineers Without Borders? 

For our CEO Bob Mora, working with Engineers Without Borders gets to the root of his passion for this industry: “Engineers Without Borders has helped me maintain that mindset of wanting to help others throughout my career.” Mora got involved in 2010 after reading a Times Picayune article about the New Orleans chapter of EWB; ever since then, the organization has been an ongoing part of Batture’s culture. 

In fact, many members of Batture’s team first connected through their work with Engineers Without Borders: civil engineer Ryann Jeansonne was a member of the New York chapter; Bob Mora and Mary Scambeau Johnson, Batture’s Structural Operations Manager, have both held tenures as the EWB’s New Orleans chapter president; and our Structural Designer, Arielle Authement, is a current president. 

 

New Orleans and Engineers without Borders 

Our city and Engineers Without Borders have a special relationship that we are especially proud of: the first ever EWB project approved inside the United States was in New Orleans. Since then, EWB projects in New Orleans have included gutting, demolition, and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina; wetlands reclamation; community skate parks and playgrounds; wastewater treatment systems; solar heater installation; and more. 

With their mission of international community, EWB New Orleans also has a host of past and present projects abroad, such as water distribution projects in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. 

However, finding projects that are a good fit for pro-bono engineering services can be more challenging than people might expect, and we’re always looking to discuss project ideas and meet potential partner organizations to work with. In-house, Batture continues to create opportunities for our employees to support Engineers Without Borders, including allowing them the flexibility to officially log their volunteer time. 

These experiences not only provide value to our community, but also create incredible opportunities for professional and personal development– EWB’s high-impact projects cultivate invaluable engineering and leadership skills. 

As Bob puts it, there’s not a career level you reach and suddenly begin to “magically influence” other people to work on your projects, and Engineers Without Borders offers an opportunity to develop effective management skills in the early stages of your career.

 

How To Become an Engineers Without Borders Volunteer:
If you’re interested in learning more about the New Orleans chapter of Engineers Without Borders and how you can volunteer, visit the New Orleans website or EWB USA. They aren’t only looking for engineers, either– anyone is welcome, particularly people with experience in grant writing, fundraising, marketing, and public health. Helpful community members are always wanted.

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What is Stormwater Management and why does it matter? 

We don’t have to tell you that stormwater is as much a part of New Orleans culture as snowballs and the Saints. At Batture, stormwater management is a huge priority– and it impacts our entire city. As we rapidly approach hurricane season, we know flooding and stormwater is on everyone’s minds–read on to learn about what stormwater management is and how the team at Batture supports it. 

 

Flowing Forward: New Solutions to an Old Problem

Stormwater management, simply put, means finding ways to deal with the rainwater that falls on a site. We develop systems for water management that benefit both people and the environment–striking this balance is a core tenant of the work we do. All projects in New Orleans that are over 5,000 square feet of building, or over 1 acre in size, are required to have stormwater management. This means that the kind of projects we take on are wide-ranging and diverse, both for private businesses and the city. 

In any given project, we’re required to detain the first 1.25″ of rainfall that lands within the property lines; accomplishing this relies on different types of infrastructure. Green infrastructure is nature-based practices that help manage stormwater by reducing stormwater runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground, improving water quality, and filtering out pollutants–think tree boxes, detention ponds, and living shorelines. Gray infrastructure is a traditional man-made method for managing stormwater, such as pipes, catch basins, and pumping stations. 

The benefits of green infrastructure go beyond a stormwater management system– these strategies also enhance the quality of life for communities through outcomes like improved air and water quality, and beautiful green public spaces. 

For example, one of our large-scale projects involves designing green infrastructure in Gentilly. The Mirabeau Water Gardens project achieves functional stormwater management through recreational and educational spaces, like walking paths and play areas. The St. Anthony Green Streets project is a community-inspired stormwater management effort incorporating public art, shade structures, and recreational and social areas.

 

Water We Doing?

A stormwater management project at Batture begins with our civil and landscape departments, which work together to create designs and develop plans using both green and gray infrastructure. The whole team has a hand in the design, and our owner Robert Mora ensures quality control and guides revisions. From start to finish, this is a truly collaborative effort and represents how we like to get things done. The project’s contractor uses our grading plans to manipulate the landform and/or topographic lines so that stormwater can be redirected. Managing the water as close as possible to where the raindrop falls means less pollution discharge and erosion; this is crucial to helping keep both ecosystems and human populations healthy. 

The health of natural and human populations in New Orleans motivates Batture’s work in stormwater management and beyond. Introducing more gray infrastructure into the city, like asphalt and compacted gravel, only puts more pressure on our pump stations and perpetuates stormwater management issues. New Orleans needs and deserves more green infrastructure and sustainable solutions to stormwater management! 

 

For anyone curious for more, see some frequently asked questions and answers below:

Q. What are the costs related to stormwater management?
A: We can safely say that the costs and benefits of stormwater management cancel each other out. It’s hard to put a price on good water systems and New Orleans more than any place needs effective drainage systems in place. Any sustainable infrastructure that protects water resources is a wise investment. Anyone who has seen a sewer overflow will know precisely what we’re talking about. 

Q. Is green and grey infrastructure both necessary?
A: We think so! If we can leverage both types, it will allow us to create both beautiful and safe places to live

Q. Can stormwater management be cost-effective?
A: Yes, and we’d be happy to talk to anyone curious about it. 

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Preserving and Protecting Louisiana Irises this Earth Month and Beyond

It’s Earth Month, and we’re highlighting the incredible work our team members are doing to protect and preserve our local habitats here in Louisiana. Mark Schexnayder is a Senior Biologist at Batture LLC and serves as the president of the Society for Louisiana Irises and a board member of the Greater New Orleans Iris Society. Read on to learn more about these organizations and the habitat conservation work that they do, and where you can go to see some beautiful Louisiana irises. 

 

WHAT ARE THESE ORGANIZATIONS?

The Society for Louisiana Irises is a non-profit educational organization with a mission of promoting the use of Louisiana irises as a gardening resource, including education and conservation of the species. The organization aims to initiate conservation actions that can help reverse the habitat loss trends that have been happening over the last 100 years or so and to preserve the collected species and variants. 

The Greater New Orleans Iris Society exists to exchange information on the culture and breeding of native Louisiana irises, to make the public more aware of Louisiana’s irises, to provide members with access to greater variants of irises to grow in their own gardens, and to preserve the native forms of Louisiana irises and their place in the environment. 

Last year, the organization provided thousands of plants to nonprofits and WorkForce Development Programs for public rain gardens and bioswales from a small island nursery tucked deep in New Orleans City Park. Both the Greater New Orleans Iris Society and the Society for Louisiana Irises provide plants for the Pelican Greenhouse and the City Park Sculpture and Botanical Gardens. 

 

PROTECTING LOCAL IRISES IS CONSERVATION WORK


Mark’s passion for preserving local ecosystems and mitigating the effects of coastal land loss drove him to join the Society for Louisiana Irises in the late 1980’s, and has been involved ever since. 

And the work of protecting and preserving irises has larger positive ripple effects on our environment overall:  “I believe we can inspire people to get behind conservation and restoration by connecting the flowers’ health to the overall habitat sustainability. Doing work to protect local irises and their habitat also protects other birds, bees, plants, and wildlife that thrive there,” Mark says.  

Here at Batture LLC, we have a deep commitment to protecting our local environment. Our team has done community service days in City Park where we have helped weed iris beds, cleaned and restored shorelines, and helped with building projects on Nursery Island. We also proudly provide Pro Bono support for some of the development programs and volunteer groups that help to maintain the iris habitats. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE IRIS ORGANIZATIONS?


In 2023, the Society for Louisiana Irises is planning community outreach and building a partnership with UL Lafayette, NGOs, and Federal and State Agencies to develop projects and land protection for the remaining 1,000 acres of habitat occupied by Iris nelsonii (the native species of Louisiana irises) in the wild. They are also working with the Palmetto Island State Park Staff and the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative to refurbish and expand boardwalk plantings. 

 

HOW CAN I SEE LOUISIANA IRISES AND GET INVOLVED?


There are two public gardens in New Orleans with masses of Louisiana irises that people can enjoy: the  Sculpture Garden in New Orleans City Park, and Longue Vue Gardens. GNOIS opens the Nursery for the bloom season, and both GNOIS and SLI host showings at private residences. 

You can get involved and learn more about how to enjoy the irises by visiting the organizations’ websites. You’ll find that Louisiana irises are adaptable flowers, reflective of the culture that Louisiana embodies. 

To find out more about Earth Month and spread the love to plants of all kinds, you can check out the official Earth Day website.

 

DID YOU KNOW THIS IRIS TRIVIA?

  • Louisiana iris is a taxonomic group of five iris species native to Louisiana and surrounding regions. These species are Iris fulva, Iris hexagona, Iris brevicaulis, Iris giganticaerulea, and Iris nelsonii.
  • Habitat: Swampy, boggy areas.
  • Hummingbirds, butterflies and insects attracted to flowers rich with nectar are likely to show up near Louisiana irises.