The most important thing you can do for Louisiana’s coast is show up: with your time, your money, or just your voice. These organizations are doing the most meaningful work:
Grassroots & Community Organizations
Common Ground Relief
Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Common Ground Relief has been doing on-the-ground environmental and community work in New Orleans and coastal Louisiana for nearly two decades. Their coastal restoration work includes wetland plantings, barrier island restoration, and community education. They run regular volunteer opportunities open to everyone.
S.O.U.L. NOLA
S.O.U.L. NOLA works at the intersection of culture, environment, and community resilience in New Orleans. Their work centers the voices and leadership of Black and Indigenous communities in environmental advocacy, connecting cultural preservation with climate justice.
Glass Half Full NOLA
Glass Half Full collects glass bottles and turns them into sand and gravel used for coastal restoration and sandbags. What started as a college student’s project became a citywide movement. Drop off glass at multiple sites across New Orleans.
Larger Organizations
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL)
CRCL is one of the oldest and most effective coastal restoration advocacy organizations in the state. They monitor coastal projects, advocate for sciencebased policy, and organize volunteer restoration days open to the public.
Louisiana Bucket Brigade
The Bucket Brigade works on environmental health and justice in communities near industrial facilities, particularly in Cancer Alley between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Healthy Gulf
Healthy Gulf advocates for the long-term health of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, with a strong focus on Louisiana’s coast. They work on policy, litigation, and public education.
Where to Volunteer
- Marsh and wetland planting days (usually fall and spring)
- Beach and waterway cleanups
- Oyster reef restoration
- Community education and outreach
- Policy advocacy and public comment campaigns
Sign up for newsletters from CRCL and Common Ground Relief to get notified about upcoming events.
Where to Donate
- For hands-on restoration: Common Ground Relief or CRCL
- For environmental justice: Louisiana Bucket Brigade or S.O.U.L. NOLA
- For Gulf-wide advocacy: Healthy Gulf
- For something tangible and local: Glass Half Full NOLA