Pontchartrain Conservancy

Kristi Trail, Executive Director

Thanks to GNOEA member George Messing, Owner Messina’s Catering, for hosting this week’s networking event for GNOEA members at the Rooftop on Basin St!

Ms. Trail is the Executive Director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy, and has been since 2016.  She earned her BS and MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Kristi is responsible for all aspects of governance and day-to-day operations for PC.  Prior to joining PC, Ms. Trail worked as an engineer in various capacities in the energy sector and as a private consultant. She is active in the New Orleans community, serving on many non-profit boards including LSU Health Foundation, and the Audubon Area Zoning Association.  She is also an active member of the Louisiana Women’s Forum & the Women’s Professional Council of New Orleans.  Additionally, she is a fellow of the Loyola University Institute of Politics (2005) and the Institute of Environmental Communications (2005). She is a native of New Orleans & lives in uptown New Orleans with her husband and two children.

Kristi informed the GNOEA members that Pontchartrain Conservancy’s mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy seeks research based solutions for preserving and restoring the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. They created the Multiple Lines of Defense Strategy (MLODS), a strategy for coastal restoration and storm protection. This is a plan of how to merge coastal habitat restoration and engineered flood protection. When both are achieved, the ecology and economy of the region can continue and together will protect and sustain Louisiana’s Coast for future generations.

Pontchartrain Conservancy also samples thirteen recreational sites around Lake Pontchartrain on a weekly basis. Using EPA-approved methods, the team assesses various parameters like water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and more. To gauge water quality for recreation, the program tests for the presence of three key indicator bacteria: Fecal Coliform, Enterococcus, and E. Coli. The water test results are posted weekly on their website, in the newspaper, and in their app.

They also provide school and community programs and an online collection of environmental explorations designed to expand environmental literacy. They offer an interactive hands-on exhibits at the Lighthouse to help bring together residents to learn about our coast. They host thousands of visitors, students, scouts, churches, and other groups as they experience locally-focused science concepts that are fun and accessible.

To learn more about Pontchartrain Conservancy please click here.
To view Kristi’s presentation click here

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Michael Nation, Harbor Towing and Fleet, thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist, for working on his car.

Q3 dues reminder.

Guests- Otto Briede, Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, guest of Stanton Murray, Murray Yacht Sales.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • July 15- No Meeting
  • July 22- Sandra Herman, Canal St. Coalition- Board Meeting to follow
  • July 29- No Meeting
  • August 5- Harry Kelleher, Harry Kelleher, & Co
  • August 12- No Meeting
  • August 19- Tom Martin, Converse Digital, “Life’s a Pitch”- Board meeting to follow
  • August 26- No Meeting

Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Jason Hernandez at jason@crescenttitle.com