Coastal Center

The Coastal Center was honored to welcome U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins for a visit and tour of our facilities last week. Congressman Higgins had the opportunity to learn more about the Center's role in advancing coastal research, education, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement throughout Louisiana's working coast.

During the visit, we showcased ongoing initiatives and partnerships that support coastal restoration, resilience, and environmental stewardship across the region. We appreciate Congressman Higgins taking the time to visit and discuss the importance of investing in Louisiana's coastal future.

Thank you for your interest in the work being done at the Coastal Center and for supporting efforts that strengthen our communities, economy, and environment. Nicholls State University, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, Lafourche Parish Government, Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District

It’s been a busy and exciting week at the Coastal Center!

We were honored to host the CWPPRA Task Force meeting, bringing together leaders and partners dedicated to advancing Louisiana’s coastal restoration and protection efforts.

The Coastal Center and Nicholls Farm also welcomed staff members from U.S. Senator John Kennedy’s office for a tour highlighting the innovative research, education, and outreach initiatives taking place across Nicholls State University.

To close out the week, Nicholls Mass Communication students from Restoration Generation presented their project focused on executing long-term educational initiatives to increase public awareness and engagement surrounding coastal issues impacting our communities.

From policy and restoration to research and student-driven communication, this week showcased the power of collaboration in building a more resilient coast for future generations. 🌎🌿

We’re excited to share that the Coastal Center has been featured in Group Travel Leader Magazine!

This national publication reaches group tour operators from across the country and highlights destinations, experiences, and attractions that inspire educational and cultural travel opportunities. Being featured is an incredible opportunity to showcase Louisiana’s coast, coastal science, and the innovative work happening at Nicholls State University to audiences nationwide.

The Coastal Center is designed to connect visitors of all ages with immersive exhibits, research, education, and the stories that shape our working coast. We are proud to help position our region as a destination for discovery, learning, and meaningful conversation about Louisiana’s future.

We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the Coastal Center and all that Bayou Region has to offer when we officially open our doors later this year!

https://grouptravelleader.com/digital-edition/?book-embed=1

We’re proud to announce a major milestone for the Coastal Center— the launch of our first-ever Strategic Plan.

This plan represents more than a roadmap. It’s a shared vision for the future—one that strengthens our commitment to advancing coastal research, expanding educational opportunities, and connecting our communities to the science shaping Louisiana’s coast.

Built through collaboration with faculty, students, partners, and stakeholders, the Strategic Plan outlines clear priorities to guide our growth, enhance impact, and inspire the next generation of coastal leaders.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to turn this vision into action—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and continuing to serve as a gateway to coastal science.

Stay tuned as we begin this next chapter.

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Link: https://simplebooklet.com/coastalcenterfinalstrategic =1

The CWPPRA Task Force Meeting is next Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Thibodaux, LA! Please join us in-person at the Nicholls State University Coastal Center or virtually via Microsoft Teams. You can view the agenda and access the meeting link at:https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Portals/56/docs/environmental/cwppra/TF6May2026_Agenda_Draft.pdf

The Coastal Center was proud to host Shell’s “Powering a Culture Change” event, bringing together a dynamic group of partner organizations committed to strengthening collaboration across our region.

This gathering created a space for meaningful conversations, shared insights, and a collective focus on driving positive change within our industries and communities. By fostering stronger partnerships and open dialogue, we continue to build momentum toward a more connected and forward-thinking coastal network.

We were also excited to highlight the work of our students, including Lindsay Michel, a Nicholls graduate who earned her B.S. in Biology magna cm laude in December 2025 and is now pursuing her Master of Marine and Environmental Biology. As an undergraduate, Lindsay contributed to our bee box monitoring project along a Shell pipeline right-of-way in Thibodaux, and she is now continuing that research at the Nicholls Farm for her thesis. Her work will compare data from both sites, advancing our understanding of pollinator health and coastal ecosystems. Lindsay has also been accepted to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, where she will begin in Fall 2027—an exciting next step in an already impressive journey.

Thank you to Shell and all participating partners for your commitment to collaboration, innovation, and supporting the next generation of leaders. Together, we’re shaping a stronger future for Louisiana’s coast. 🌊

Restore or Retreat, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Nicholls State University Biological Sciences, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, American Petroleum Institute

We’d like to extend a special thank you to Coastal Leadership Institute (CLI) for spending their morning with us at The Coastal Center!

CLI’s mission to deepen understanding of the coast’s vital role in Louisiana and across the nation aligns closely with our own, and we’re proud to be part of each participant’s journey.

We enjoyed hosting your group and look forward to seeing the impact you’ll continue to make along our coast!

To learn more about CLI visit: https://www.crcl.org/program/coastal-leadership-institute/

Introducing Bird Walks at the Nicholls Farm!

The Nicholls Farm has a variety of habitats and hosts a highly diverse group of birds. We are beginning to host guided bird walks for people interested in learning more about our local birds!

If you are interested in participating in a bird walk led by local birder, Jed Pitre, on Sunday, 19 April 2026, please use the link below to sign-up. There are only 10 slots available so please do not sign up if you may tentatively participate. Additional walks will be offered once a month. We will meet at the Sugar Lab at the front of the Nicholls Farm and begin at 7 am. Bird walks will take approximately 3 1/2 hours, ending around 10:30 am. Bird walks are open to all levels of birding experience, from novice to expert. Please bring binoculars, water, snacks, insect repellent and sunscreen. All participants must sign a waiver.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hv-VaO4mZYutzGZUMW6AoeLDTIPgIv0xzIKX5xo8WR4/edit?usp=sharing