Saturday Science, October 4th- From Marsh to Mission: Why the Bird's Foot Delta Needs You

Location: Large Meeting Room
Speaker: Dr. Rodrigo Diaz and Karina Nolasco, LSU Department of Entomology
Abstract: The Bird’s Foot Delta in Plaquemines Parish is one of Louisiana’s most critical and fascinating regions. Covering over 800 square miles, its marshes shield New Orleans from storms, support vital shipping routes, protect energy infrastructure, and provide habitat for wildlife. At the center of this ecosystem stands an unexpected champion: Roseau cane (Phragmites australis), a tall grass with extraordinary resilience.
Despite facing intense stress from land subsidence, prolonged flooding, and the attack of invasive insects, Roseau cane continues to adapt. In this presentation, we’ll explore how nature equips organisms with remarkable adaptations to survive in extreme environments—and share the exciting journey of our LSU research team as we venture to the mouth of the Mississippi River to study this unique and ever-changing ecosystem.

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