Couturie Forest and Arboretum

March 2009

The trails are open during daylight hours.

We have big and exciting plans for the forest. To learn all the details, download the Couturie Forest Master Plan document. The document provides a full menu of ideas and plans for the forest. We will do the work in phases over several years as funds are secured. Many, but probably not all, of the ideas presented in the plan will come to fruition.

If you want the short story, here it is:

• The forest was heavily damaged by Katrina. It destroyed most of the forest's large trees and shade canopy. As a result, invasive species like Chinese Tallow have proliferated.
• The park hired a local landscape architecture firm to develop a comprehensive plan for the forest. They were assisted with the input of approximately 20 forest stakeholders.
• Ultimately our plans are to nearly double the size of the forest; from 33 to 60 acres. The expanded footprint will incorporate all of Scout Island. The soccer fields on Scout Island will be closed, but not before new ones are constructed elsewhere in the park.
• Volunteers have and will continue to play a large role in the recovery and development of the forest.
• Things are going to get worse before they get better. To bring the forest back, we first need to greatly reduce the invasive species. That work has begun.
• In the fall of 2009 we plan to plant hundreds of trees. As the trees grow, they will help "knock down" or eliminate invasive species.
• The forest will highlight eight different ecosystems:
  • Coastal Prairie
  • Coastal Marsh
  • Eastern Pine Savannah
  • Bottomland Hardwood
  • Upland Hardwood
  • Live Oak + Palmetto Forest
  • Cypress + Tupelo Swamp
  • Riparian Edge

Whether you are a birder, a fisherman, out to exercise, walk your dog, a lover of nature, or just out for a stroll, Couturie Forest is the place for you. Come out and enjoy your backyard today!

For more information, see our Birding page and our Inside Guide to the Birds of City Park.