Do you want to see Bayou Teche become a cleaner and healthier waterway? Sure, the bayou is great for paddling and boating, but what about swimming and fishing? If The TECHE Project had its way, we would have Bayou Teche removed from the state’s “impaired waterways” list and cleared for all activities. We need your help to make that happen, though!

We are participating in the Community Foundation’s SOLA Giving Day for the first time this year. Any amount you can contribute now through May 6 will go toward our efforts to CLEAN UP BAYOU TECHE.

Early giving is happening now, and the BIG DAY is May 6. Please take a moment to donate to our efforts—large or small—and make your mark on Bayou Teche.

As our Information Kiosks go up along Bayou Teche and the Lower Atchafalaya River at each of our dock sites, you’ll find music-related information tied to the area on one side of the kiosk. It references a playlist of Bayou Teche music, which can be found below. Have a listen to the “sounds of the Teche” to enhance your experience as you explore the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail and Bayou Teche Byway.

In recognition of National Poetry Month in April and as part of an effort to revive our kids’ activities, we are announcing the Bayou-Ku Children’s Poetry Contest. Open to ages 5-12, this contest encourages kids to write a persona haiku poem about any plant or animal found along Bayou Teche. Poems are due by April 30.

Thanks to one of our newest Council members Margaret Simon for putting this contest together and agreeing to be our judge!

You can find more details about how to write the poem and submit here.

We are excited to announce that the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway received the prestigious designation of National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration on Feb. 16, 2021! This byway includes the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail, which The TECHE Project serves as the steward, in the heart of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The byway winds through four parishes, including St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary.

To receive a national designation, a road must possess intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant. The road, the attractions and the amenities along the route must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. These roads are considered the very best of America’s National Scenic Byways.

National designation is a high honor that will help entice more travelers to drive the routes and spend money in stores, restaurants, hotels and attractions. Bayou Teche joins 48 other byways in 28 states designated in 2021.

View the byway route here, and check out our dock locations for exploring the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail here.

We issue an Annual Report each year summarizing our efforts from the previous year. Although we didn’t hold our Annual Membership Banquet in January, you can still find out what we accomplished in 2020 and about our future plans. Click the image below to download the report. .

Due to rising numbers related to the pandemic, we are choosing to cancel this year’s Wood Duck Workshop. Instead, we are offering a tutorial on managing wood duck boxes, and wood duck boxes are also available for sale. Contact Patti Holland at 337-277-4645 for details about purchasing your box.

Click the image below to view the tutorial, and please share your progress with us on Facebook!

As 2020 comes to a close (whew!) and we prepare for a new year, The TECHE Project asks that you consider making a tax-deductible donation before Dec. 31. Starting with GIVING TUESDAY today, we have several different levels and ways to give.

Continue to show your love for Bayou Teche and commitment to a healthy waterway by becoming a Bayou Banker, Kayak Packer or Brown Water Lover. Not a member yet? Our levels start at just $20 a year. We also have opportunities for families and businesses to support our mission of enhancing the quality of life on the Teche Corridor. And, if money is a little tight, maybe you have an expertise or craft that can help us out. Volunteerism is always welcome!

Need a holiday gift idea? Consider gifting a membership to The TECHE Project to a family member, friend or business colleague who is a nature lover or lives along the bayou.

Your donation, membership OR time will help us to continue adding infrastructure to the Bayou Teche National Paddle Trail and maintain our fleet for more bayou cleanups in 2021. With paddling infrastructure just about complete, our next BIG goal is to get Bayou Teche off the list of impaired waterways so that we can reach the full potential of this cultural asset in our own back yard!  

We have produced a Bank-line Management Guide for Bayou Teche Watershed Landowners. This publication was made possible by a grant from the COYPU Foundation. We encourage all landowners along Bayou Teche and the Lower Atchafalaya River to download this guide for FREE.

Living on Louisiana’s only federally designated National Water Trail is a privilege. We believe that the Bayou Teche Watershed should be held to a high standard when it comes to water quality and aesthetic beauty, and we encourage landowners to contribute to and preserve the ecological richness of the waterway in which they live, work and play.

This guide details bank-line restoration techniques and provides insight on appropriate plants and where to acquire them. The guidebook also addresses other landowner concerns such as sewerage treatment, groundwater retention measures and nuisance wildlife control. Here is the wikipedia reference that gives access to other resources available regarding water damage and water restoration.

We ask that each landowner do their part to contribute to the long-term health of the Bayou Teche Watershed—while also beautifying their own bank-line!

For information on our Bank-line Management Workshops, click here.