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New Orleans

Ransom Everglades
see info below

Course Details

DATES
February 21-26, 2024

6DAYS

Departure
Miami, FL
TUITION
$2095*

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
14 Spaces

Alongside our partner, Common Ground Relief, you will learn about coastal land loss, habitat restoration, and the protection & engagement of marginalized communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will take you to the Lower Ninth Ward, where our partner Common Ground Relief is working hard to address the dangers faced by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region due to coastal land loss.

While in New Orleans, you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Common Ground Relief on their coastal restoration. You will be working at their nursery, helping with tree potting, planting, and propagation efforts, In addition, you will have an immersive wetlands experience by supporting planting efforts out in the water. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how Common Ground Relief is working to create sustainable, healthy, and functioning coastal wetlands; and foster a new generation of environmental stewards.

When you are not working on projects with Common Ground Relief, you will have the chance to learn about the rich history of New Orleans while exploring how communities come together in the face of trauma and tragedy to create cultures of celebration and solidarity.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Louisiana’s coastal wetlands while planting trees and/or marsh grasses.

Learn about Common Ground Relief’s approach to environmental stewardship. 

Gain real-world experience with coastal restoration, urban reforestation, watershed creation, and environmental science.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will be planting native species in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans and learning about coastal land loss, habitat restoration, and the protection & engagement of marginalized communities.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
1
TREKKING
While in New Orleans, you will spend time exploring various cultural sites on foot.
3
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will be staying at Common Ground Relief’s volunteer house.
2
ON THE MOVE
You will explore various neighborhoods in the city that require short drives. In addition, some of the wetlands restoration work occurs outside of the city.
2
REMOTENESS
You will spend your time exploring different neighborhoods in the area. In addition, some of the wetlands restoration work occurs outside of the city.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day and group orientation.

Day 2

Orientation and Project work with Common Ground Relief. Lower Ninth Ward tour with Sustain the Nine.

Day 3

Habitat Restoration Project with Common Ground Relief. Afternoon Activity.

Day 4

Project work with Farming New Orleans. Afternoon Activity.

Day 5

Educational Tour To Be Determined by School.

Day 6

Closing activity with Common Ground Relief. Depart for home.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

New Orleans : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.

Esprit De Corps

Today we woke up at 6:45am to go to the Blind River for planting bullrush grass along the banks of the river. On the ride to our destination, we were all pretty tired but we still engaged in some jamming to music because we were so excited !! The first thing we did was load about 40 sacks of bullrus...

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Our Final Night In New Orleans

This week was different and I met a lot of awesome people on this trip. I wish that I had more time in New Orleans to help rebuild the wetlands and have more time with the amazing people that were on this trip. This trip has taught me that life is not easy and that the work will be hard but you can...

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Warm Workin'

Although the weather was very hot and humid, our group was excited about the outcome of our work. The first job was transferring potted trees onto a new surface in order to avoid sprouting weeds. Later in the week, we will be planting the trees from the nursery in the wetlands. For the second task,...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION

Tuition: $2095

AIRFARE

Flight Cost: Coming Soon

*Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. 

REGISTRATION

To register, please use this link.

important dates

Application & Deposit: November 15, 2024

Tuition balance & airfare: December 15, 2024

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