More than 50 Sailors and Marines from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) volunteered at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center April 23.

The Sailors and Marines were split into three groups and cleared trails, removed invasive species plants, built garden beds and bridges and mulched native trees.

"It's an immense privilege just to have the Navy come visit us, let alone go to work for us," said Isaac Wyatt, director of operations, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. "I feel like I should be the one doing that for them, so we definitely appreciate everyone coming and helping."

For Lance Cpl. Lewis Guzman, stationed at Camp Lejeune, volunteering his time is a way for him to do even more than just serve in the Marine Corps.

"I just want to come out here and give back to the American people," said Guzman. "They support us and everything we do, so the least we can do is come out here."

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in 2005, and in October 2017 the doors to the nature center re-opened.

The volunteer project is one of many community service efforts taking place during Navy Week New Orleans.

Navy Week NOLA provides an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.


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For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/.