On this blog, I write frequently about the “big picture” and what needs to be done by the federal government to preserve and restore Louisiana’s coast. The important examples set by individuals, however, symbolize the American spirit and individuals through their actions can inspire a nation to act. Bob Thibodeaux is one such individual.
On April 25, 2009, Bob Thibodeaux of Church Point, Louisiana received the prestigious Frederick Law Olmsted Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for his dedication to planting trees and conservation. Mr Thibodeaux is the owner of Bob’s Tree Preservation which has been in business since 1964.
In 2007, Thibodeaux founded Acorns of Hope, a coastal preservation project that is adding 10,000 oak trees to the coastal regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas through 2012. He has collected acorns from historic Louisiana oak trees and nurtured them in his tree preserve. He then travels from community to community planting these trees and educating young people about the benefits of planting trees. Thibodeaux teaches that oak trees are adaptive and can slow the rate of coastal erosion and the winds of hurricanes.
For more on Mr. Thibodeaux’s efforts, please see the article in the Lafayette Advertiser dated April 25, 2009 entitled, Company owner honored, Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Thibodeaux for regional dedication.
Thank you Mr. Thibodeaux for your individual effort to preserve the coast of Louisiana.