New Louisiana Educational Wetland Center in Jean Lafitte
Bayou Of Jean Lafitte National Park In Louisiana, Getty Images
JEAN LAFITTE, La. (press release) — The new Louisiana Educational Wetland Center in Jean Lafitte will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the town of Jean Lafitte, on March 20 at 10 a.m.
The ceremony will take place at 4905 City Park Dr. in Jean Lafitte, inviting community members, partners and visitors to celebrate the opening of a new educational destination focused on Louisiana’s unique coastal environment.
Located in the heart of the Barataria Basin, the new Louisiana Educational Wetland Center in Jean Lafitte tells the story of Louisiana’s coast—its land, its people and its future. Surrounded by cypress swamps, marshes, bayous and waterways, Jean Lafitte has long been shaped by the wetlands that sustain it. For generations, residents have lived and worked alongside this landscape, building a strong connection to the land and a deep commitment to protecting it.
Details for the New Wetland Center in Jean Lafitte
The center will help visitors understand the critical role wetlands play in protecting communities, supporting wildlife and preserving Louisiana’s culture. Over the past 90 years, Louisiana has lost more than 2,000 square miles of coastal land, one of the fastest rates of land loss in the world.
Through interactive exhibits and educational displays, the center highlights the importance of coastal restoration and stewardship.
The 3,500-square-foot facility features immersive exhibits exploring wetland habitats, coastal protection and restoration efforts, and the culture and way of life shaped by the Barataria Basin. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that define coastal Louisiana and the ongoing work to protect them.
“This wetland center will celebrate our local residents and environment while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience our home,” said Jean Lafitte Mayor Yvette Crain. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible, including the Jean Lafitte Town Council, Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana, Councilmember Tim Kerner Jr. and State Representative Tim Kerner Sr., whose support helped move this important project forward.”
The Louisiana Educational Wetland Center opens directly onto the town’s Nature Preserve and walking trails. It sits adjacent to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve – Barataria Preserve, allowing visitors to step directly into the wetlands.
These surrounding natural areas provide access to cypress swamp environments, native plants and wildlife and the marsh and bayou ecosystems that define Louisiana’s coast.
