By Abbie Acosta, Conservation Director & Gabrielle Keaton Breaux, Marketing Manager 
May 20, 2026

At Moncus Park, caring for the land means thinking long-term, about the ecosystem we nurture today and the legacy we leave for the future. Thanks to the generous support from the Louisiana Community Forestry, our state’s Urban Forestry agency, Moncus Park was able to continue and expand our woodland restoration efforts this year, bringing us one step closer to a healthier, more resilient urban forest. 

This year’s grant focused on transforming approximately 0.35 acres of underutilized grassy areas along our woodland edges into thriving forest habitat. These spaces, once disconnected from the larger ecosystem, are now being reimagined as extensions of our bottomland hardwood forest, supporting biodiversity, improving soil health, and enhancing the overall trail experience. 

What We Planted

With support and guidance from the Acadiana Native Plant Project, we: 

• Purchased and planted over 250 native trees, representing a diverse mix of overstory and understory species
• Selected species characteristic of our local woodland ecosystem 
• Installed plants ranging from small cones to 3-gallon containers to support layered forest growth

To support long-term success, we prepared the site using heavy-duty kraft paper made from recycled, biodegradable materials. This helps suppress turf grass and encourages the formation of a natural leaf-litter forest floor. We followed up with a thick layer of hardwood mulch to protect young trees, retain soil moisture, and improve soil quality over time. 

Powered By Community

This project is a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision. We could not have completed this without the support from: 

• Acadiana Native Plant Project for native plant expertise and materials
• Louisiana Community Forestry for funding and support
• Moncus Park Grounds, Horticulture, and Conservation team for leading the work on the ground
• The many volunteer groups who showed up ready to work 
• Hub City Tree Care and Holland’s Tree Care, who annually donate over 600 cubic yards of fresh mulch, diverting valuable organic material from landfills and putting it back to work in the park

Looking Ahead

This restoration work is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen and expand Moncus Park’s woodland areas. As these young trees grow and the forest floor develops, these once-open spaces will become shaded, thriving habitats that support wildlife, improves ecosystem health, and enhances the experiences for every visitor. 

At Moncus Park, we believe that small, intentional actions like planting a tree, spreading mulch, or restoring a patch of land can grow into something much bigger. Thanks to this incredible network of partners and supporters, that vision is taking root.