The Hidden Nature Park In Louisiana With Plenty Of Flora, Fauna, And So Much More

City Park and Audubon Park are both beautiful parks in New Orleans, but they're not the only ones! If you're searching for a new green space to explore without a long drive, we'd recommend Sankofa Wetland Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 40-acre area was a labor of love from community members in the Lower 9th Ward. It's an ongoing project that is dedicated to making the area a beautiful natural space, and it's the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Let's check it out:

The Sankofa Community Development Corporation is a local nonprofit organization that led the efforts to build this wetland park and nature trail.

It was part of a larger neighborhood revitalization effort. Sadly, we are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—especially in the Lower 9th Ward. In 2017, the Sankofa CDC collaborated with the National Park Service, the City of New Orleans, and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to bring this dream into reality.

The goal was to create a natural space for the community to enjoy while improving protection from hurricanes and limiting flooding in the neighborhood.

The wetlands act as a protective barrier, absorbing stormwater and reducing flooding while providing a habitat for countless critters.

The trees that are planted will also help absorb damage from storms while providing a place for migratory birds.

So far 300 bald cypress trees and 200 herbaceous trees have been planted and 1,000 invasive tallow trees have been removed.

Each step strengthens both the ecosystem and the neighborhood. A true win-win.

Originally, this was a vacant 40-acre lot that was known to be an illegal dumping area.

Through the hard work of countless individuals, it has transformed into a beautiful natural area for everyone to enjoy.

The park is a great area to sit back and relax.

Do a little reading, meditation, fishing…whatever floats your boat! There are also a few informative signs peppered around so you can learn as you walk.

If you think the area looks beautiful, just wait! There are plans to continue to build the rest of the area out and you can help make it happen.

Volunteers meet up once a month to help maintain the trail, pull weeds, plant native plants, and remove invasive plants. Join the Saturday Sankofa Green Team and be a part of the process.

Future plans to develop the remaining 32 acres include more walking trails, bicycle paths to connect adjacent neighborhoods, more prominent fishing areas, outdoor classrooms, and so much more. Visit the Sankofa website to learn more. If you've ever visited this wetland park in New Orleans, Louisiana share your experience in the comments below!

If this inspired you to get outdoors, grab some maps and hit the trails!