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S2E2

How Louisiana's Mega Swamp Breaks Hurricanes

Premiere: 3/4/2025 | 7:53 | NR |

In the Atchafalaya Basin—the largest river swamp in the U.S.—ancient cypress trees act as natural barriers against hurricanes and extreme weather. Spanning a million acres, these nearly indestructible trees have protected Louisiana's coast for thousands of years. How does this million-acre ecosystem protect Louisiana’s communities, and how can we protect it?

About the Episode

In the Atchafalaya Basin—the largest river swamp in the U.S.—ancient cypress trees act as natural barriers against hurricanes and extreme weather. Spanning a million acres, these nearly indestructible trees have protected Louisiana’s coast for thousands of years. How does this million-acre ecosystem protect Louisiana’s communities, and how can we protect it?

Previous Episode: This Is Not a Forest

Next Episode: What Turned These Ancient Trees to Stone?

More Untold Earth

This is Season 2, Episode 2 of Untold Earth: From PBS NATURE and Atlas Obscura, Untold Earth is a documentary series dedicated to unpacking the stories behind the strangest, most unique natural wonders.

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