The trails and trees suffered extensive damage, but replanting has begun and the arboretum trails are open.
Couturie Forest and Arboretum Trail
The Couturie Forest and Arboretum Trail fronting on Harrison Avenue within City Park is a 33-acre preserve of one of the largest stands of mature mixed hardwoods in a relatively natural condition in the Park. Couturie Forest was begun as a community arboretum in the 1930s with a bequest from businessman Rene Couturie. It was dedicated in 1938.
Over the years the area was forgotten and became a place for illegal trash dumping. 
In 2001, City Park staff, volunteers and members of the Louisiana National Guard cleared out trash and constructed over a mile of trails as well as a deck, an amphitheater and six education stations. A six-story mound of riprap from the construction of Interstate 610 remains – the tallest “mountain” in the sub-sea level city, with an observation platform at its peak.
An arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes. Along the trail of Couturie Forest, visitors will find forty-five species of trees identified by both their common and scientific names.
And as for the Birds…
As you explore the Arboretum, you will see a number of other features designed
to enhance bird life along the trail. In the lagoon, nesting boxes for wood
ducks can be found. Elsewhere, cavities in trees provide nesting space for
owls and other birds. Food and cover species of plant life can be noted, such
as elderberry, common privet and seed-producing grasses. Over 80 species of
birds have been sighted within the Forest at various times of the year.
