![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.coldspaghetti.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/wetlands.jpg\" "\\"wetlands\\"")
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To provide compassionate, respectful service in a place, I think it’s critically important to form a relationship with the natural environment that supports it.\u00c2\u00a0 So, part of understanding New Orleans in a way where you can truly make a difference within its populace means finding appreciation for the unique ecosystems that support and, in many ways, define the city. \u00c2\u00a0 With the disaster unfolding, the importance for our Fellows to develop a connection with our local environment was even more critical.\u00c2\u00a0 So, as part of their orientation retreat weekend, we went canoeing through Cane Bayou.\u00c2\u00a0 A private guide brought us through a mile of natural, undeveloped bayou — protected between a wildlife preserve and State Park.\u00c2\u00a0 We paddled out at dusk, ending up parked in the marsh along the edge of Lake Pontchartrain.\u00c2\u00a0 We ate boxed lunch dinners watching the sun set over the lake.\u00c2\u00a0 Then, as night fell, paddled back with the sounds and sights of the bayou around us.<\/p>\n
It was pretty darn awesome.<\/p>\n
Here are some pictures.<\/p>\n
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