The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is pleased to offer a variety of resources to all citizens in the Pontchartrain Basin. Our goal is to educate about important issues affecting the Basin and involve the community in efforts to help Save Our Lake and Save Our Coast.

The Foundation provides presentations, field programs, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities free of charge to teachers, students, schools, and civic groups. Contact our Education Department at (504) 836-2238 or e-mail us at joann@saveourlake.org for more information.

Presentations | Volunteer Opportunities | Swim Program | Field Program | Written Resources

Presentations

One of our staff will be happy to visit and give a presentation on basin related issues. We can also tailor subjects to suit your needs.

Subjects we cover include:
Katrina and Coastal Restoration
Subsidence, Global Warming and S.E. Louisiana
Water Quality
Non-point Source Pollution & Habitat Protection
Wetlands
Lake as Watershed

Volunteer Opportunities

Join LPBF's Coastal Crew
If you are 18 or older, interested in helping get the word out on our coastal issues, and willing to "table" at weekend festivals, please call JoAnn at 836-2238. Periodic training sessions are provided. We can use your help!

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the annual Beach Sweep held the 3rd Saturday in September. The Sweep around the Lake is part of the International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by The Ocean Conservancy. Businesses, school groups, scout groups, church organizations, and individuals are welcome to contact us to get involved in this year's event. We'd like to thank our 2009 Presenting Sponsor, Toyota (www.buyatoyota.com). The Annual Louisiana Beach Sweep and Inland Waterway Cleanup is held the third Saturday in September in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy (www.coastalcleanup.org). This year the date will be September 19, 2009.

Swim Lesson Opportunities

Swim Lesson Opportunities
Our 2009 Ashley Marie Kelly Swim Safety Program has been completed.

The weeklong program is held by LPBF’s Education Department every summer to provide swim safety instruction and free Red Cross swimming lessons to anyone over the age of five in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Volunteers are needed each year to assist in this program.  This year 2 programs were offered in partnership with the Ashley Marie Kelly Foundation, Southeast Louisiana Red Cross and Tulane University Reily Center. FREE Water Safety Instructor Lessons (value of $250) and FREE swimming lessons were held. The WSI participants assisted in teaching the swimming lessons.

2010 Ashley Marie Kelly Swim Safety Program
Program 1:  Water Safety Instructor Lessons (Details to be announced April 2010)
Program 2:  Ashley Marie Kelly Swimming Lessons (Details to be announced April 2010

Field Program

Water Watch
Get your students involved! Each year, the Foundation guides up to 25 teachers in leading students through a year-long study of water quality. After an introductory presentation by one of our staff, the groups test water in drainage canals throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area and rivers and streams on the North Shore. Students conduct biweekly tests for fecal coliform bacteria, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. At the end of the school year the students present their results to staff members and an audience of their choice. To get your class involved, call JoAnn at (504) 836-2238.