Author: Emily Gautreaux

Nicholls Empowers Students to Advocate for Louisiana’s Coastline in Coastal Summit

On March 12, 2025, Nicholls State University served as the host for the first-ever Louisiana’s Restoration Generation Coastal Summit. As per this news release from Nicholls, the event, held in the Cotillion Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., was a collaboration between Restore the Mississippi River Delta and the Nicholls Mass Communication Department. Designed to explore critical issues related to conservation in Coastal Louisiana, the summit aimed to educate and inspire a new generation of advocates committed to preserving the state’s fragile coastal environment.

The summit provided attendees with a dynamic experience featuring presentations, panel discussions, vendor exhibits showcasing coastal and cultural resources, and live Cajun music to celebrate Louisiana’s rich heritage. A major highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Bren Haase, executive director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program. His presentation, titled “Restoration in the Barataria and Terrebonne Estuaries,” offered insight into ongoing conservation efforts and the challenges facing these vital ecosystems.

Panel discussions covered a range of topics relevant to students and professionals interested in coastal restoration. Discussions included “The People of Our Coast,” which highlighted personal stories of individuals impacted by coastal erosion, “Careers in Coastal Restoration,” which provided students with an overview of professional opportunities in the field, and “Louisiana’s Restoration Generation: Students Making an Impact,” which showcased how young advocates were already contributing to conservation efforts.

Emily Guidry Schatzel, senior communications manager for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, emphasized the importance of engaging students in conversations about Louisiana’s land loss crisis. She expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Nicholls for the summit, noting that it offered students a unique chance to learn about coastal erosion issues while exploring ways to contribute directly to restoration initiatives. She also stressed that by participating in these discussions, students were taking an active role in shaping the future of Louisiana’s coastline.

The event was open to the public and free of charge, encouraging participation from a broad audience. While registration was not required, those who pre-registered received additional benefits, including a conference bag, a discounted Louisiana-themed lunch in the Vernon F. Galliano Dining Hall, and entry into a raffle drawing. 

This summit served as an integral part of a service-learning initiative for students enrolled in courses such as Environmental Communication, Global Communication, and Public Relations. Louisiana’s Restoration Generation, the student-led movement at the heart of the summit, aimed to raise awareness among college students about coastal issues, encourage them to consider careers in the restoration industry, and inspire them to become advocates for conservation in their communities. This initiative operated under the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication, housed within the Nicholls Department of Mass Communication.

Nicki Boudreaux, an assistant professor of Mass Communication and director of the NSM Institute for Global Communication, underscored the importance of incorporating communication strategies into coastal advocacy. She emphasized that addressing environmental issues through effective communication was a priority for the department. She also viewed the summit as an opportunity to provide students with real-world experience while simultaneously making a meaningful impact on the community and state. She described the event as a chance to launch a movement that would empower students to take ownership of Louisiana’s coastal future.

Through engaging discussions, expert insights, and student-led initiatives, the inaugural Louisiana’s Restoration Generation Coastal Summit successfully fostered dialogue about the state’s environmental challenges while equipping students with the knowledge and resources to become active participants in restoration efforts. The event set the stage for continued advocacy, education, and collaboration in preserving Louisiana’s coastline for future generations.

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National Recognition for Ochsner St Anne Commitment to Quality Care

Ochsner St Anne Hospital, located in Raceland, Louisiana, has been named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for 2025 by Chartis, a nationally recognized healthcare advisory firm, as per this articlefrom the Houma Times. This distinction is particularly significant as Ochsner St. Anne was the only hospital in Louisiana to earn a spot on this prestigious list.

Sheri Eschete, the chief operating officer of Ochsner St Anne, emphasized that this recognition was a reflection of the hospital staff’s dedication and the positive impact their efforts had on the communities they served. She noted that the hospital’s commitment to maintaining high healthcare standards and ensuring top-tier patient care remained its foremost priority.

Ochsner St Anne Hospital plays a critical role in providing essential medical services to residents of Lafourche Parish and neighboring areas. The hospital operates under the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, a classification established by Congress in 1997 through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This designation aims to support small rural hospitals by reducing financial burdens while ensuring that vital healthcare services remain accessible in underserved areas. The program was developed to enhance healthcare availability in rural communities while safeguarding the financial stability of these essential medical institutions.

The selection process for the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance Index. This comprehensive evaluation considers several key performance indicators, including the ability to manage financial risk, deliver high-quality patient care, improve patient outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and maintain cost efficiency. The ranking acknowledges hospitals that continuously strive to elevate their financial and operational performance while staying committed to the healthcare needs of their communities.

As a fully accredited healthcare facility, Ochsner St Anne offers a broad range of medical services, staffed by experienced physicians and specialists. One of its standout features is its 24-hour full-service emergency department, which boasts an average wait time of less than 10 minutes, ensuring that patients receive timely and critical care when they need it most. The hospital also provides advanced stroke care and intensive care services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering specialized medical attention to its patients.

In addition to emergency and critical care, Ochsner St Anne is home to multiple surgical specialties, catering to diverse medical needs. Services include general surgery, pain management, gynecology, and urology. Patients also have access to maternity suites equipped with cutting-edge monitoring systems designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and newborns. Moreover, the hospital provides inpatient behavioral health services, addressing the mental health needs of the community.

Beyond its primary and emergency care services, the hospital is equipped with a full range of diagnostic and treatment facilities. These include a comprehensive laboratory and imaging center, an infusion center, and a wound care center. Each of these services plays a vital role in providing continuous and specialized care to patients, minimizing the need for residents to travel long distances for medical treatment.

The recognition of Ochsner St. Anne as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital underscores its unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for rural populations. By prioritizing patient-centered care, efficient hospital operations, and ongoing service improvements, the hospital continues to be a cornerstone of health and wellness in Raceland and surrounding areas. This distinction reflects the hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery and its commitment to bridging gaps in medical access for rural communities. Through state-of-the-art technology, highly trained professionals, and a patient-first philosophy, Ochsner St. Anne remains at the forefront of advancing rural healthcare and ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of treatment possible, regardless of their geographic location.

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Stuffed Crawfish Bisque: The Ultimate Seafood Dish

Crawfish bisque is one of the most treasured dishes in Louisiana’s rich culinary tradition. Unlike a simple soup or stew, this dish is a labor of love, packed with bold Cajun flavors and featuring stuffed crawfish heads that add an unmistakable depth to the bisque. This recipe from Louisiana Cookin takes some time and effort, but the end result is a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

This dish combines a velvety roux-based sauce with tender crawfish tails and a medley of fresh vegetables and seasonings. The true hallmark of an authentic bisque is the stuffed crawfish heads, which add an extra layer of complexity to the dish. The heads are filled with a savory mixture of crawfish tails, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings, then baked to perfection before being simmered in the bisque. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, this dish is a true celebration of Louisiana’s seafood bounty.

Ingredients:

  • 60 crawfish heads, cleaned
  • 3 pounds cooked crawfish tails
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2½ cups minced and 1½ cups diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper
  • ½ cup minced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup sliced green onions
  • 4 tablespoons minced garlic
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 to 3 quarts shellfish stock
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups seasoned Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Steamed white rice, to serve
  • Granulated garlic, kosher salt, & ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue stirring constantly to create a rich, dark brown roux. This process should take approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Be patient and vigilant—burning the roux can ruin the dish.
  2. Once the roux reaches the desired color, add in the diced onions, celery, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables soften and release their flavors, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Next, stir in the crawfish tails and tomato sauce, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors. Gradually pour in the shellfish stock, stirring continuously to create a thick, sauce-like consistency. If the bisque becomes too thick during cooking, additional stock can be added as needed. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  4. For the Stuffed Crawfish Heads, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine the cooked crawfish tails, minced onions, celery, bell peppers, parsley, and garlic. Pulse for about 30 seconds until finely chopped. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the beaten eggs and gradually add the seasoned breadcrumbs, just enough to bind the mixture together. Season with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste.
  5. Fill each cleaned crawfish head with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling. Any remaining stuffing can be set aside and stirred into the bisque. Arrange the stuffed crawfish heads on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
  6. Gently stir in the stuffed crawfish heads. Allow the bisque to simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the crawfish from settling at the bottom and burning.
  7. Once the bisque has thickened and all the flavors have melded together, add the sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Season with salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic to taste. Serve the bisque over steamed white rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Exploring the Stunning North Carolina Coast

With over 300 miles of breathtaking shoreline, North Carolina boasts some of the most picturesque coastal landscapes in the country. While the well-known beaches of the Outer Banks and Wilmington attract many visitors, there are countless other stunning destinations along the coast waiting to be discovered. From wild horses roaming the dunes to pristine seashores and untouched natural habitats, North Carolina’s coastline offers a perfect escape for travelers seeking beauty and adventure. Here are some of the most scenic places to explore along the North Carolina coast, according to this travel guide from Southern Living. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

One of the most recognizable landmarks in North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is home to the iconic black-and-white spiral-striped lighthouse. As the nation’s first designated national seashore, this area has been protecting its stunning coastal ecosystems since 1937. The seashore stretches across the Outer Banks and offers visitors a chance to explore diverse landscapes filled with marshes, sand dunes, and maritime forests. Along the shoreline, you can often spot an array of wildlife, including migratory birds and nesting sea turtles, making this destination a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

At the northernmost point of the Outer Banks lies the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, a spectacular expanse of untouched wilderness. Encompassing a variety of landscapes, including maritime forests, sandy dunes, and shrub thickets, this refuge remains a sanctuary for native wildlife. One of the most incredible sights here is the famous herd of wild horses that freely roam the beaches and dunes. These majestic animals, believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs, add an unforgettable charm to the already stunning scenery. For the best chance to see them up close, embark on a safari-style tour along the remote shores of Currituck County.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island, a hidden gem located just north of Wilmington, is a 26-mile-long barrier island surrounded by water on three sides. Its three distinct communities—Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City—each offer unique coastal charm and scenic beauty. With its wide, sandy shores and gently rolling waves, this tranquil island is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the shoreline, hunt for seashells, or take a boat tour to observe local marine life. The serene atmosphere and stunning views make Topsail Island a must-visit destination on the North Carolina coast.

The Point at Emerald Isle

Located on the western tip of Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle is one of the most picturesque spots along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The Point, a sandbar extending into the Atlantic Ocean, is a favorite location for sunset watchers and shell collectors. With panoramic views of the ocean, Bogue Sound, and Bear Island, this destination offers an unbeatable vantage point for soaking in the beauty of the coast. Visitors can explore the sand dunes, wade in the shallow waters, or simply relax and take in the spectacular scenery. The Point’s natural beauty and peaceful surroundings make it one of the most mesmerizing locations in the state.

Wrightsville Beach

Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft, white sand, Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina’s most vibrant coastal destinations. Situated near Wilmington, this beach town is a hotspot for water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, sunset cruises provide a peaceful way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins swimming nearby and a variety of coastal bird species soaring overhead. The combination of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and a lively atmosphere makes Wrightsville Beach an essential stop on any North Carolina coastal adventure.

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Kissimmee Prairie: Florida’s Best Spot for Wildlife and Stargazing

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers an extraordinary escape into one of Florida’s most unique and endangered ecosystems. While Florida is often associated with beaches and wetlands, this expansive prairie landscape provides a rare opportunity to experience a different side of the state’s natural beauty. With its wide-open skies, diverse wildlife, and incredible outdoor activities, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, especially with this travel guide from Southern Living.

Once covering vast areas of Florida, the dry prairie ecosystem has been greatly reduced over time, leaving only a fraction of its original expanse. Today, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve protects the largest remaining tract of this unique environment. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s sweeping grasslands, where breathtaking sunsets stretch across the horizon and the stillness of nature provides a peaceful retreat. This protected area is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

One of the most immersive ways to explore the preserve is by taking a guided buggy tour led by expert park rangers. These tours provide fascinating insights into the prairie’s ecological importance, including its role in wildfire management and its historical use as a World War II Air Force training ground. The elevated buggy seats offer unparalleled views of the landscape, allowing visitors to spot wildlife and appreciate the park’s vastness. However, due to limited availability, reservations are required in advance, with tours held only on Saturdays.

For those visiting outside of tour hours, the Main Drive—formerly the Peavine Railroad—offers a self-guided route through the preserve. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for spotting wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, bald eagles, and even the elusive Florida panther.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a chance to see North America’s rarest bird, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Found only in this specific region, this bird’s population has dwindled to critically low numbers, making a sighting an extraordinary experience. Patience and quiet observation are key to hearing its distinctive buzzy song.

In addition to birds, the park’s wildflower diversity attracts a vibrant array of butterflies. The Berry’s skipper, a rare butterfly species, is just one of many pollinators that thrive in this protected habitat. Whether you bring binoculars or a camera, this park offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe Florida’s rich biodiversity up close.

As Florida’s first designated Dark Sky Park, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve offers some of the best stargazing in the state. Far from the light pollution of urban areas, the park’s night sky reveals an incredible array of celestial wonders. Visitors can observe planets, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way in perfect clarity.

For an optimal stargazing experience, the park offers dedicated astronomy viewing pads where only red-light headlamps are permitted to maintain visibility. These sites are ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of the cosmos. Checking the American Meteor Society’s schedule can help visitors time their trip with major celestial events.

With over 100 miles of trails, the preserve offers a variety of ways to experience its landscape. Horseback riding is a popular way to traverse the park, allowing riders to take in the scenery while covering a significant distance. Visitors without their own horses can book guided horseback tours through Wagon Wheel Horse Farm, which provides a unique way to explore the shaded hammocks and open grasslands.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Florida’s most unique landscapes. From guided buggy tours and stargazing to birdwatching and horseback riding, this destination provides a diverse range of outdoor adventures. Whether visiting for a day or staying overnight, this preserve invites travelers to connect with nature in a truly extraordinary setting.

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From Learning Loss to Learning Gains: Louisiana Education Road to Recovery

A groundbreaking study from Harvard University and Stanford University has revealed that the state is at the forefront of academic recovery in the United States. According to the Education Recovery Scorecard and this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana ranks first in the country for reading recovery and second for math. Notably, Louisiana Education stands as the only state where the average student has fully completed their academic recovery.

The Education Recovery Scorecard is an annual report that measures student growth in reading and mathematics at the school system level across the country. Now in its third year, the report assesses the pace of academic recovery in various districts, providing crucial insights into how students are regaining learning losses experienced during the pandemic.

Louisiana’s impressive academic turnaround is reflected in several critical findings from the Education Recovery Scorecard. Between 2019 and 2024, the state ranked first in reading recovery and second in math recovery. While many states struggled to regain lost academic ground, Louisiana students demonstrated significant gains in both reading and mathematics, standing out as the only state where the average student has fully recovered academically.

An analysis of the data suggests that Louisiana’s strategic allocation of pandemic-related funding played a key role in its success. Investments targeted at academic initiatives such as summer learning programs and tutoring proved particularly effective in accelerating recovery. However, despite these achievements, chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge. Students who miss more than 10 percent of the school year hinder the progress of overall recovery efforts in several districts, emphasizing the need for continued attention to attendance and student engagement.

State education leaders attribute Louisiana’s progress to a clear focus on foundational academic skills and strong support for educators. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized that the report reflects the state’s commitment to improving student outcomes. He acknowledged the progress but also pointed out that challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all students can read at grade level, master essential math skills, and maintain consistent school attendance.

The Education Recovery Scorecard serves as a collaborative effort between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. This latest report provides a detailed and data-driven analysis of where Louisiana students stand in their academic recovery as of spring 2024. Unlike The Nation’s Report Card, which focuses on state-level achievement changes, the Education Recovery Scorecard integrates those results with district-level assessments to provide a more localized view of student progress.

The state’s recent achievements build on its positive performance in the previous year’s Education Recovery Scorecard. The 2023 report highlighted Louisiana as one of only three states where reading achievement had surpassed 2019 levels. Additionally, Louisiana students made exceptional progress in math, recovering nearly half of their initial learning loss. This was particularly notable because, on a national scale, students had only managed to regain about one-third of their original losses.

Although Louisiana has demonstrated remarkable success in academic recovery, state education officials acknowledge that there is still work to be done. The persistence of chronic absenteeism remains a barrier to continued progress, and ensuring that all students achieve proficiency in reading and math is an ongoing challenge. Nevertheless, the strategic initiatives that have contributed to Louisiana’s success—including targeted funding, summer learning opportunities, and tutoring programs—may serve as a model for other states striving to accelerate their own academic recovery efforts.

By focusing on student-centered interventions and maintaining strong support for educators, Louisiana has emerged as a leader in the nation’s education recovery landscape. As the state continues to build on its progress, it sets an example for how deliberate investment and evidence-based strategies can drive meaningful improvements in student learning outcomes.

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