Just 30 minutes from New Orleans, Barataria Preserve’s 24,000 acres offer home to a myriad of marsh vegetation and wildlife. Photos here are from my first trip out this last week—I’ll spending more time here over the coming months.

Barataria's elevated walkway along Bayou Coquille
Cypress knees along Bayou Coquille in Barataria Preserve
Spanish moss in Barataria Preserve
Moss hanging from trees in Barataria Preserve
Marsh grass in Barataria Preserve
Swamp foliage in Bayou Coquille
An orb weaver spider rests above the trail in Barataria Preserve
A squirrel, unfazed by traffic along the trail, eating in Barataria Preserve