Waters BY-YOU is a coalition of partners working to reimagine and transform our relationship with water and water systems. We are working to reduce flooding and subsidence, improve environmental quality and biodiversity, counter environmental injustice and pollution, and bring people together around the beauty and possibilities of water.
The Waters BY-YOU coalition includes: Song CDC, Healthy Gulf, Civic Studio, Water Leaders Institute, New Orleans for Lincoln Beach, Batture LLC, Coastal Environments Inc., US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans.
Waters By-You hosted an open studio to learn more about the environmental challenges and opportunities in New Orleans East, planning practices, and share ideas for the community water plan! Plus free kayaking led by NORDC!
Learn moreThis cohort brought together New Orleans residents and technical experts to make meaningful connections of cultural exchange, build shared knowledge, explore local environments, and design a pilot green infrastructure project! The cohort selected Bayou Michoud as the site for their green infrastructure pilot project. Their design includes tree plantings, a bioswale, an entry plaza, and small dock. Site improvements are underway: 39 trees were planted in the spring of 2025 and SWBNO hosted a water hyacinth community clean up day.
Learn moreWe hosted breakfast and boating at Bayou Choupic, also known as Bayou St. John. This was a great opportunity to explore a waterway that is central to the founding of New Orleans, and to imagine transforming the canals in New Orleans East. We discussed the drainage system and green infrastructure, ecology, and the history of the region, and gave away native Louisiana irises.
Learn moreNew Orleans for Lincoln Beach and Water Leaders Institute hosted a series of Community Visioning Workshops that supported residents to develop a collective vision for the future of Lincoln Beach. Participants shared stories, community values, drawings, and ideas that were synthesized into a report and shared at a Community Vision Exhibition hosted at the new Lincoln Beach Center.
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