Before Hurricane Katrina beautiful southern magnolia trees lined this avenue. They were at least 50 years old and gave great presence as the entrance to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Magnolia trees cannot survive with their roots in water for over a few days. Three weeks of floodwater killed them all.
This week 140 live oaks are being planted on either side of Lelong Avenue. Single stem crepe myrtles will be planted in the median. The Avenue is three blocks long. It will be wonderful to see the new life.
Funds were provided by Rotary International for the restoration project. Thank you, Rotary.