Nearly 8 years ago my science students at Hurst Middle adopted the site where the spillway's East Guide Levee meets Lake Pontchartrain as part of the LaBranche Wetland Watchers Service-Learning Project. It was a popular dumping spot where we found many washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators. The students took pride in the spot, planted many trees and worked with community leader Milton Cambre to plan out a nature trail in the area. Not only will this site have the first public nature trails in this region, it will also include an outdoor classroom, raised wooden decked trails, a fishing pier, sheltered picnic tables, a playground for children, and eventually real restrooms!

Last year the first step of these plans became a reality with the generous donation of 28 acres of land from the Pontchartrain Levee District to St. Charles Parish in the name of the Hurst Middle LaBranche Wetland Watchers.

Friday, April 28 at 9:45 a. m. we will take another step to achieving our goals as St. Charles Parish President Albert Laque formally dedicates this area as our newest parish park area. A new sign designating this area will be unveiled.

This park has the potential to be a great asset to St. Charles Parish and the surrounding parishes as it is utilized by educators, tourists, and families. Educators will be able to take advantage of the facilities available to involve outdoor education in their curriculum. Tourists will enjoy the fact that this area is the farthest you can go into the LaBranche Wetlands without using a boat. Families will have a new destination to enjoy their time together. The new park will make it easier for people from all over to enjoy and learn more about the beautiful natural surroundings that St. Charles Parish has to offer.

Thank you so much for all you have done and I look forward to working with you as we have an opportunity to create a wonderful asset to our community that will serve many generations to come.



Barry Guillot,

Hurst Middle School teacher

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