Big Branch Post Planting.

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge was formed in 1994. It is comprised of 18,000 acres of pine flatwoods, oak ridges, fresh, brackish and saltwater marsh. Hurricane Katrina uprooted a large amount of marsh on the Refuge, turning it into open water. Marsh plantings were needed to stabilize sediments and restore habitat for many species of wetland birds. The Coastal Program provided money to purchase 50,000 plants. The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana then donated another 20,000 plants and called out for volunteers. Approximately 500 people showed up from around the country and stayed anywhere from two days to two weeks to get the job done, including Secretary Salazar and NOAA Administrator, Jane Lubchenco.