MotherShip Foundation, the nonprofit that presents The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, is announcing a new campaign to replace four live oak trees along Bayou St. John between Dumaine and Lafitte streets. Two live oaks were lost during Hurricane Katrina, while Hurricane Isaac has taken another two. These trees have provided shade and improved the quality of life for neighborhood residents for decades, if not centuries! They increase property values while adding to the picturesque view along Bayou St. John.

The MotherShip Foundation is seeking partnerships to help plant four new live oak trees and ensure that they are cared for properly. MotherShip hopes to plant sizable trees to fit the scale of the location. Initial plantings are expected to cost nearly $30,000. However, the job does not stop there. Parks and Parkways requires any tree planted in a public space to be covered by a service contract, which ensures proper watering and guarantees the trees for one year.

This is where we need your help. The service contract alone will exceed $10,000 in the first year. Our bayou’s landscape needs your help to keep these trees watered, pruned, and cared for in times of inclement weather. Rather than spending time and resources trying to find new sponsors every year, MotherShip Foundation is hoping for neighborhood leaders to step up to this call and become long-term Tree Sponsors.

Tree Sponsors will receive an engraved plaque placed near the trunk of the tree and can choose to have their own name or business name engraved, or they can dedicate the trees to a loved one or a meaningful cause. All Tree Sponsors will also be acknowledged in all press releases and at a formal tree dedication ceremony, which will be held in the spring of 2013. Sponsorship levels are as follows:

Ranger $5000 and Up

300 gallon live oak tree
6 VIP credentials during Bayou Boogaloo 2013
Exclusive tree sponsorship to include a permanent engraved plaque near tree
Inclusion in all press releases and promotional materials
Invitation and speaking opportunity at tree dedication event in spring of 2013
Maintenance and watering contract for one year
Stage mentions during Bayou Boogaloo 2013

Farmer $3,000 – $4,999
300 gallon live oak tree
4 VIP credentials during Bayou Boogaloo 2013
Invitation to tree dedication event in spring of 2013
Shared tree sponsorship to include a permanent engraved plaque near tree
Maintenance and watering contract for one year

Gardener $1,500 – $2,999
100 gallon Bald or Pond Cypress
2 VIP credentials during Bayou Boogaloo 2013
Engraved plaque near tree
Invitation to tree dedication event in spring of 2013
Maintenance and watering contract for one year

If you have ever felt the magic of an afternoon walk, canoe trip, or sunset gathering along Bayou St. John, then please consider making this tax-deductible donation and becoming an active part in preserving this pristine piece of nature in the heart of our city. This is your opportunity to be a part of the magic!

Faubourg St. John

Where Big Dreams Grow!