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February 23, 2016
Nicholls’ financial chief resigns
February 25, 2016
The challenges associated with preserving south Louisiana’s precious coastline and the constantly changing environment will be the topics of discussion during the 2016 Wetlands Youth Summit.
The event, set for March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Century Room of Nicholls State University’s John L. Guidry Stadium, brings together high school and college students who are eager to learn more about coastal restoration obstacles and possible solutions for affected Gulf Coast communities. The focus of this year’s event will be on climate change and coastal communities, a topic many past participants have been curious about, Wetlands Discovery Center Executive Director Jonathan Foret said.
Leading the day’s discussions will be Aaron Pina, a Colorado State University doctorate student currently focusing his efforts on ecology.
“They have a lot of questions about climate change and the effects and what’s happening with it. It’s a very politically charged topic and I don’t always have the answers,” Foret explained. “We’re flying this scientist in to provide the information for the students. It’s not our role as the discovery center to make the kids believe one thing or another but the kids are asking and we are responsible for providing them with the information so they can then make up their own minds.”
Following Pina’s speech, students will have the chance to hear from peers who presented their proposed plans regarding marsh creation in North Terrebonne Bay, an idea from last year’s youth summit, at a Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act task force meeting.
Participants will also take part in an action planning session to address a specific challenge to be identified during the summit.
“What they come up with all depends on what they gravitate toward and brainstorm,” he explained of the process.
The summit is free and breakfast and lunch are provided. To register, contact 985-580-7289, email apercle@slwdc.org or slwdc.org. •
