Rabbit Island, a 210-acre site in West Cove of Calcasieu Lake, Southwest Louisiana, underwent a vital restoration effort to support the region’s only brown pelican rookery.
Hurricane Laura devastated this region, underscoring the urgent need for restoration. Partnering with CPRA and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weeks Marine and Royal Engineering raised the island’s elevation to approximately 3.5 feet. This groundwork paved the way for RES’s team to reestablish critical vegetation. The team grew over 100,000 plant cuttings, ultimately planting more than 67,000 native plants on the island, including 30,000 gallon-sized container plants.
The project provides a vital breeding habitat for the once-endangered brown pelican, symbolizing a broader path of recovery for Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems. By restoring Rabbit Island, this effort ensures the long-term survival of crucial wildlife while supporting the state’s outdoor heritage. For those involved, it’s a testament to resilience, collaboration, and hope for future generations who call this landscape home.