What are Eco-Region Networks?
Eco-Region Networks comprise the new, grassroots approach to creation-care and environmental
justice that the Episcopal Church is taking, and are partnerships of dioceses and communities
based on shared ecosystems, watersheds, or environmental concerns. These partnerships aim to
foster community and cultivate a collaborative environment where people, projects, and
properties are shared, and nature-based climate solutions that address local and regional needs
are implemented.
Watersheds of the Gulf Coast
The Commission on the Integrity of Creation of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast has been
working in partnership with Creation Care commissions in the Dioceses of Louisiana and
Mississippi to form the Watersheds of the Gulf Coast eco-region. The priorities of our new eco-
region are wetland and biodiversity loss, industrial incursion, sea level rise, warming waters and
pollution of waterways, drawing on local and historic knowledge and practices and great spiritual
resiliency. We will accomplish this effort to “Inform+Inspire+Invite” parishioners in our dioceses
to care for Gulf waters through partnership with local environmental agencies.
Watersheds of the Gulf Coast is one of twelve eco-regions in The Episcopal Church.
How You Can Help
We are working to create a database of volunteer opportunities for different interests and
abilities. If you know of environmental agencies looking for volunteers, please let us know. Does
anyone in your congregation work in the environmental field? Please ask them if they would like
to be involved in this program and have them to reach out to the environmental commission.
We are also working to create educational and inspirational materials for use in our
congregations. If you are aware of existing curriculum or liturgies or if you like to work on such
materials, please let us know.
For more information or to join our work please contact one of us:
Environmental Evangelism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
Molly Blackwell and Rev’d Harry Jenkins
Co-Chairs
