The Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station has been making and completing several renovations since fall of last year.

Turtle Cove is a research and education facility located near Manchac in the wetlands between Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. It is used as a center for research, education, field trips, community outreach programs, field training and workshops for members of the Southeastern community, scientists and school children.

According to Dr. Robert Moreau, manager of Turtle Cove, the first phase was completed when a new bulkhead was built in front of Turtle Cove. The total cost for this phase was about $3.1 million.

“This is to help protect the land from any future erosion,” said Moreau.

The second phase, which also has been completed, was the building of a new boardwalk behind the facility that leads into the marsh. Total costs for this renovation totaled about $500,000.

The third phase, which is currently in progress, is the stabilizing and leveling of the main building. This process could take between three and six months to complete.

“I’m hoping it will be completed by the end of spring this year, but that’s just my guess,” said Moreau.

The fourth stage is to rebuild the caretaker’s residence 12 feet above sea level. Turtle Cove staff members are hoping to have the final renovations completed by the end of next year.

All of the funding for these projects has been provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Despite the damage, the members of Turtle Cove continue to do research and provide education and community outreach opportunities. The historical institution has been standing for over a century. Individuals visiting Turtle Cove can attend teaching workshops, take a field trip or tour of the Louisiana ecosystem or begin a new research project.

“Nothing has stopped due to the damage,” said Moreau. “Even the classrooms are still in use.”

For more information on Turtle Cove, students can visit www.selu.edu/ turtlecove.