Atchafalaya Basinkeeper's Executive Director and Basinkeeper, Dean Wilson, will be our speaker for the May ABK Acadiana meeting! He will be discussing the management plan, sedimentation in the Basin, and flood protection. Come learn about how this impacts Lafayette and the surrounding communities!

About Dean Wilson:
Captain Dean A. Wilson is our Executive Director and Basinkeeper. American-born, Dean grew up in Spain but came to Louisiana in 1984 en route to the Amazon. After living in the Basin’s deep swamps for 4 months with only a spear, a few hooks, a bow and arrows, Dean fell in love with the swamps, lakes, bayous and rivers of the Atchafalaya Basin. Dean chose to stay in the Basin, working as a commercial fisherman before forming Basinkeeper in 2004, a proud member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Dean's passion for the Basin is evident to all who know him. When he is not out patrolling or educating communities about the Basin and its many threats and treasures, he works with his family-owned and operated swamp tour business, Last Wilderness Swamp Tours.

We are so excited to have Dominick and Alex Chaillot, founders of the LA Bayou Society, speak at our April ABK Acadiana meeting! Louisiana Bayou Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to litter and debris removal from Louisiana’s Bayous and their watersheds. They partner with local stakeholders to provide logistical support for clean-up efforts. 

Alex Chaillot is a Louisiana-based conservationist and vice president of the Louisiana Bayou Society. Based in the Acadiana area, he is recognized for his hands-on, community-driven approach to environmental protection. Alex is also a professional caterer and private chef, an avid cyclist, and a volunteer who spends time assisting at local pet shelters. 

Dominick Chaillot is a community organizer, environmental advocate, and musician primarily known as the co-founder and president of the Louisiana Bayou Society. Dominick has a background in music, playing the bass guitar for the indie band FlecHaus, as well as numerous other projects. He formally ran a bed-and-breakfast in Austin, Texas, and for a brief period of time owned and operated a motorcycle fabrication company. He has worked for Apple Inc. for the last 15 years.

10th Annual Save the Basin

On Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 10th Annual Save The Basin event at Cypress Cove in Henderson!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles, live music, and dancing!

This year's lineup features incredible local talent, including Jordan Thibodeaux, Michael Doucet, Drew Landry, Dustin Dale Gaspard, The Babineaux Sisters, and The Forest Huval Band.

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

Ticket prices are:

• General Admission: $25

• Children 5-12: $15

• Children 0-5: Free

Tickets available online and at the door.

(Donate $15 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Sponsor Save the Basin

We’re gearing up for the Save the Basin event and are currently looking for sponsors who want to make a real impact! Sponsorship is a great way to show your commitment to saving the basin, while gaining visibility among local leaders, families, and organizations who care deeply about our environment.

Sponsorship Levels

Friend of the Basin            $500

• 10 Event Tickets

• Reserved Table

• Logo in Sponsor Video on website

• 2 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

• Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

• Opportunity to distribute swag

• 25 raffle tickets

Steward of the Basin            $1,000

• 10 Event Tickets

• Reserved Table

• Logo in Sponsor Video on our website

• 3 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

• Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

• Opportunity to distribute swag

• 50 raffle tickets

• Mention from stage at the event

• Private boat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin with Executive Director Dean Wilson (12 people)

Protector of the Basin          $5,000

• 20 Event Tickets

• 2 Reserved Tables

• Logo in Sponsor Video on our website

• 5 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

• Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

• Opportunity to distribute swag

• 75 raffle tickets

• Mention from stage at the event

• Logo on all digital media

• Private boat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin with Executive Director Dean Wilson (12 people)

Donate to Save the Basin

If you would like to show your love for the Basin through an art donation for the silent auction or by donating an item or raffle prize, click the button below! A significant advantage is that the item is tax-deductible, and we will be promoting it on our social media.

If you wish to donate an item for the auction, please get in touch with Kirby at kirby@basinkeeper.org and fill out the form below!

We’re thrilled to have ABK Development Director Monica Fisher at our upcoming ABK Acadiana meeting! If you’ve heard even a little about her, you know this will be non-stop jokes and fun. Often described as an unstoppable force (and we can personally vouch for that), Monica is known for her persistence, strategic mind, and absolute refusal to accept “no” when the Basin is on the line. Case in point: within one year of meeting with the Colonel of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Coon Trap was closed, and East Grand Lake was saved. An extraordinary achievement considering East Grand Lake is the most important body of water for fish in the eastern Atchafalaya Basin. She was also instrumental in accomplishing the seemingly impossible, securing a signed MOU with the USACE to meet quarterly and collaborate on Basin issues.

Monica’s connection to the Atchafalaya runs deep. She spent much of her childhood exploring the Delta alongside her grandfather, a trapper and commercial fisherman. After spending 20 years in Northern Nevada, Monica returned to Louisiana in 2010. In January 2018, a tour of the Basin with Dean reignited that lifelong love and instilled a desire to protect this precious resource. Shortly after, Monica joined ABK and grew the organization to what it is today!

With a professional background in business management and public relations, Monica combines expertise with heart. She understands strategy, relationships, and how to turn vision into action, all while holding a deep, personal love for the Basin and its future. Join us on February 23rd to hear Monica’s story, learn all about the basin, and get inspired by what determined advocacy can truly achieve. 

We are kicking the year off with a truly special gathering, and we want you there! Our January ABK Acadiana meeting will feature a guest speaker who embodies the heart, history, and soul of Louisiana: Jourdan Thibodeaux!

If you've ever heard him speak or play, then you already know the energy that he brings. Jourdan is a proud Cajun-French-speaking native of Cypress Island, Louisiana, and the lead of the beloved band Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rodailleurs. His music celebrates our heritage, and now he's joining to celebrate our culture and dive into what makes it so unique and important to preserve.

Fun fact: Jourdan will be performing at our upcoming Save the Basin event!

Want to learn more about Jourdan? Check out his Facebook and Instagram!

Space is limited for this event, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

ABK members will receive priority access to tickets before public registration opens on December 17th. 

The event is free to attend, but donations are always appreciated and help support Jourdan's work.

Meeting Location:  Cavalier House Books (formerly Beausoleil Books) - 302 A Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501 

Details:  January 19, 2026, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Atchafalaya Basin MaNagement Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to learn how you can be part of keeping our community safe from flooding and protecting the Atchafalaya Basin.

Read ABK’s Master Plan concept here.

Check out our previous news coverage from the October 15th community meeting: KATC, KADN, KLFY

Atchafalaya Basin MaNagement Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to learn how you can be part of keeping our community safe from flooding and protecting the Atchafalaya Basin.

Read ABK’s Master Plan concept here.

We will meet at the boat landing at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 75 and Highway 404 in Plaquemine - Bayou Pigeon. Paddler's must provide their own equipment.

This field trip will be guided by founder and Executive Director, Dean Wilson. The trip will be approximately two hours with a self-pay lunch at Carbo's after. The paddle and guide are free, yet donations are welcomed and encouraged.

Please register via ticket purchase for either "Paddle Only" or "Paddle + Lunch".

ART AUCTION—LIVE MUSIC —GUEST SPEAKERS—RAFFLES

On Sunday, March 16th, 2025, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 9th Annual Save The Basin event at Rock and Bowl in Downtown Lafayette!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles , live music, dancing and bowling.

*Forest Huval Band * The Babineaux Sisters* Michael Doucet with LE PSYCHO SWAMP* Poisson Rouge*

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

General Admission is $25- Children 0-5 Free Children 5-12 $15

Includes Bowling and shoe use between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Tickets available online and at the door.

(Donate $15 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Artists, Please contact Monica @ 225-685-9439 to submit art for the silent auction.

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to help design a plan that will keep our community safe from flooding and protect the Atchafalaya Basin.

Read ABK’s Master Plan concept here.

Read about CPRA’s Project Solicitation here.

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to help design a plan that will keep our community safe from flooding and protect the Atchafalaya Basin.

Read ABK’s Master Plan concept here.

Read about CPRA’s Project Solicitation here.

We are going to Cat Island! Join ABK for an easy hike to see the largest Bald Cypress tree in the country.

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

After the hike, The Francis has generously reserved seating for our group on the patio, under a beautiful oak. Lunch will be individual pay and the hike is free! RSVP before November 13th

abkoffice@basinkeeper.org or 225.692.1133

#supportthesupporters

ABK will be celebrating our 20 year Anniversary of protecting and preserving the Atchafalaya Basin.  This event is focused on education about the Atchafalaya ecosystems, supporting the rich culture, and the importance of the Atchafalaya Basin to the surrounding areas and on a global scale. 

As guests arrive they will be greeted by Dean Wilson, Executive Director of Atchafalaya Basinkeeper.  They will receive a gift from sponsors that support the Atchafalaya Basin.

The event will feature Grammy award-winning Louisiana musician Louis Michot against the backdrop of the setting sun over the Mississippi River in the Riverview Ballroom of the Baton Rouge Hilton.  The beginning of our program will showcase the film Majestic Atchafalaya. 

Dinner will be served as the participants settle in to hear from Lisa Jordan, Director of Tulane’s Environmental Law Clinic, about her experience supervising students in the representation of clients in Louisiana who are impacted by destructive activities and reckless agency permitting that affect the environment, including the state’s wetlands and waterways.

Dr. Ivor Van Heerden will follow.  With a lifetime of research, since 1977,  in the Atchafalaya Basin he will discuss the importance of the Basin for Louisiana, our country and the world and needed solutions to the many threats to this amazing ecosystems. 

Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, will follow, sharing with us the importance of the waterway systems globally, what it takes to protect important ecosystems like the Atchafalaya Basin, the impact of the Atchafalaya Basin locally and beyond. 

Through this event our hope is to encourage and engage care, love and understanding of the richness of the Atchafalaya Basin in our own state.  

Dress code is: “Looking good” Nice”, but not formal.
Ties are not required, but welcome.
Dinner & celebration attire!

If you care about flooding, you do NOT want to miss this one! Our Executive Director, Dean Wilson will be talking about the impact of that the Atchafalaya Basin has on flood protection to Louisiana.

RSVP for ABK Acadiana - Flood Protection

ART AUCTION—LIVE MUSIC —GUEST SPEAKERS—RAFFLES

On Sunday, March 17th, 2024, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 8th Annual Save The Basin event at Artmosphere in Downtown Lafayette!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles and stick around for live music

* Michael Doucet et Chad Viator * Forest Huval Band * The Babineaux Sisters * Drew Landry*

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event – including 10 percent of all food – will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

Admission is $15 - Tickets available online and at the door.

Purchase Tickets Here

(Donate $10 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Artists, Please contact Monica @ 225-685-9439 to submit art for the silent auction OR fill out this form with your submissions: Submission Form