THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University and the Port of South Louisiana have partnered to boost coastal restoration research at the Nicholls Farm.
“The Port of South Louisiana is pleased to be a part of the coastal restoration research at Nicholls State University,” said Paul Aucoin, executive director of the port. “We realize how important coastal restoration is to Louisiana and collaborating with Nicholls is one of the ways we can contribute.”
As part of the agreement, the Port of South Louisiana has provided $18,000 to the biology department for research at and maintenance of the Nicholls Farm.
“We’re thankful to the Port of South Louisiana for their generous support,” said Dr. Alyse Ferrara, professor of biology. “With this money, Nicholls can continue to make an impact in the fight to save our coast while offering a unique experience for our students.”
This money will allow us to continue to offer this unique experience to our students and help us make an impact on the coast.”
The 277-acre property approximately three miles from campus serves as an environmental research and educational center for Nicholls and other partners, such as the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. The Nicholls Farm includes a lab, classroom, greenhouses, shade houses, storage barns, fields for research and a 7.5-acre pond for wetland plant production.
In recent years, Nicholls biology students and faculty have spearheaded coastal restoration efforts by growing, harvesting and planting nearly 30,000 plants in coastal habitats
As America’s largest tonnage Port district, the Port of South Louisiana is the premier sea gateway for U.S. export and import traffic. Headquartered in LaPlace, the Port of South Louisiana, which stretches 54 miles along the Mississippi River, is the largest tonnage port district in the western hemisphere.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 15, 2017
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
