What Is Killing These Indestructible Swamp Trees?

In the Atchafalaya Basin—the largest river swamp in the U.S.—ancient cypress trees act as natural barriers against hurricanes and extreme weather. Spanning a million acres, these nearly indestructible trees have protected Louisiana's coast for thousands of years. How does this million-acre ecosystem protect Louisiana’s communities, and how can we protect it?

Untold Earth explores the seeming impossibilities behind our planet’s strangest, most unique natural wonders. From fragile, untouched ecosystems to familiar but unexplained occurrences in our own backyard, this series chases insight into natural phenomena through the voices that know them best.

Untold Earth is produced in partnership with Atlas Obscura and Nature.

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[crm]

I planted dozens of Bald Cypress trees on my property in up state NY. We are at the norther range of their survival zone. They are a wonderful tree even on dry land in the north. Very majestic, one of my favorite trees along with the Northern Larch. I have them both living next to each other here happily.

[brendalong]

It's amazing how nature works. We need to work with nature rather than trying to impose unworkable ideas on it.

[nattypezman]

I was born in South Louisiana and lived there for 22 years. I moved to Michigan in 86. I miss the swamp, it's beautiful.

[osheajackson]

there is nothing quite like this place anywhere else in the country, it's truly magnificent

[Sjalabais]

Absolutely otherworldly imagery. The destruction rates during the 1992 hurricane, with 1% in cypress forests and up to 85% in cultivated, higher ground forests are insane. Just this bit of knowledge alone should support conservation fully.

[yakkaboy]

Man we must do everything in our power to protect our swamp!! What a beautiful video, thanks to everyone that made it happen. Like he said, it's too easy for our locals to take these things for granted. It took me moving away for almost 10 years. I beg that you take the time to come see our swamps here in Louisiana. To those that travel here and come see the swamp, just know I appreciate that more than you could ever know! #OneforLouisiana

[EmilyJelassi]

Our property has lots of cypress trees and every winter and spring, during our storm season, I'm amazed at just how flexible cypress trees actually are.. they've saved our house several times over the years!! They bend when most other trees would've gone down, and probably either landed on the road and/or house! One got hit by lightning last year, so we planted a baby cypress and are doing our best to make sure that it survives our wacky MD weather 😊❤❤

[JeffreyGoddin]

Perfect example of an anthropocene environment. It looks wild, but it's entirely engineered through upstream controls. Same with the Everglades. The point here is that maybe those controls should consider the heath of the cypress more, as the cypress are essential for the engineering to perform its job. I'm glad there's a pseudo-wilderness being preserved, because that's about the only kind of wilderness left. It's incredible how far I have to go to find anything more than 20 miles away from a road. Experiencing wilderness is transformative, but sadly not many will be able to in our future.

[maryanncrody]

I grew up in plaque mines parish when the mist came off the water I was mesmerized

[FishEmAllFlorida]

This is what I love about the florida everglades different from louisiana both are beautiful

[investorbettor]

As a Florida man, the Louisiana swamp feels like a long lost relative to me

We’re swamp brothers 😂❤

[scottcarevic]

Atchalafaya should become a National Park

Florida has the Everglades National Park, why can’t Louisiana have Atchalafaya National Park? Has a good ring to it. Never been to Louisiana, but I look forward to visiting and getting a chance to see these beautiful swamps before they disappear. Very special place.

[caroleminke]

I live on the Gulf next to the Crystal River Preserve State Park & that’s all between life or death when hurricanes come into the Big Bend

[mynameisnotcory]

My wife is doing her phd on the achafalaya basin…couldnt be happier!

[ozzyoz]

Beautiful trees. Hopefully some day I get to see them

[ChrisMartin-mzbt]

Thank you for this informative look at a fascinating ecosystem. I live far from the coast, so I appreciate you guys for doing what needs to be done to keep these magnificent trees alive and flourishing.

[YouGuessIGuess]

Louisiana has one of the most incredible ecosystems in the world, but if we continue to let it die for the sake of corporate profits then we will have failed our ancestors and future generations.

Landry, Kennedy...all you politicians on corporate payroll...don't you dare betray our swamps.

[Oltoir]

What a great vid! beautiful subject, beautifully captured, and very important. keep up the great work

[matthew]

Floods are part of natures. Free the rivers.

[_Slicedbread]

That was a good piece.

But they make it seem real nice. It is hot. And hotter. It is the swamp. Mosquitos galore.

But yes, it's a beautiful place. And a well put together video.
Thanks.