Native St. Martin
Atchafalaya Cultural Heritage in St. Martin Parish
As the Atchafalaya River winds its way through southern Louisiana, from its origin at the Mississippi toward its delta at the Gulf of Mexico, it winds through St. Martin Parish more than it winds through any other. The unruly river-swamp, life-blood of the parish, with its sprawling and ever-changing basin—and our ever-changing relationship to that basin—is the beating heart of the unique culture that sprouted up here centuries ago and continues to thrive today.
Collected here are recent photographs spotlighting the natural beauty of St. Martin Parish, with brief articles on the history of its waterways and communities, particularly as they relate to the Atchafalaya Basin. Use the drop down menus at the top of this page, or visit the links below and use the button at the end of each article to navigate from that page to the next one.
Waterways & Communities
The western half of St. Martin Parish organizes itself around Bayou Teche. The eastern half of St. Martin Parish organizes itself around the Atchafalaya Basin, the other major waterway that runs down the length of the parish.
Native Plants & Trees
The unique ecosystem of the Atchafalaya Basin provides an important natural habitat for many species of plants and trees. A great way to get to know St. Martin Parish is through the lens of its native flora.
St. Martin Parish
Especially if you’re a nature lover, you haven’t seen Louisiana until you’ve visited St. Martin Parish. The Atchafalaya Basin and wilderness preserves throughout the parish offer year-round opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, fishing and boating.