Bayou St. John Tree Planting Fund

Hi, my name is Mathilde. I am raising money to get trees planted along the banks of Bayou St. John between Esplanade Ave. and Dumaine St.

Here's the story:

Last fall family and friends of Denise Dalferes donated a live oak tree to the City of New Orleans as a memorial to Denise. After a long, hard-fought battle with a series of serious health issues, Denise passed away during the pandemic. We were not able to celebrate her life at the time so this was our way of honoring her. Despite taking all steps required by the city, we were told the tree could not stay at the location we selected on Bayou St. John. This was a special location to her as she lived in the neighborhood for decades and we have so many wonderful memories of her there, but we were forced to relocate the tree. See more info here: Who Owns The Bayou

The official reason the city claims for requiring the tree to be moved is no one knows what department can authorize planting along the bayou. If that is true, it could not have been any official department that demanded the tree be removed. Apparently, there were complaints from a few neighbors who have fought against planting trees along the bayou in the past. But far more of us, including many of the people who live directly across the street, would love to see more trees on the bayou. They are beautiful, provide shade, and are great for the environment. It is even recommended that more trees be planted in a Comprehensive Management Plan for Bayou St. John. See more info here: BJS Comprehensive Management Plan

Here's where we are:

• We are having open discussions at the Neighborhood Association meetings.

• A subcommittee has been formed to unravel the red tape and determine who can authorize the planting of trees.

• There will be a public meeting sometime in the next couple of months with all departments that may have jurisdiction.

• A petition is being prepared so everyone who is in support but can't make it to the meeting, can still have their voices heard.

Here’s where we want to go:

• We want to raise $13,000 to plant 5 live oak or other native trees along Bayou St. John between Esplanade Ave and Dumaine St.

• The money raised will cover the cost of the trees, planting, watering, and grounds maintenance for 1 year.

• If we raise more than our goal, we can plant more trees!

We sure could use your help to make this happen!

MANY MANY THANKS!

PLEASE NOTE: If we are unable to get approval for planting on Bayou St. John, all of the money raised will be donated to local organizations dedicated to the reforestation of New Orleans.