Dexter Ellis is the Board Vice President of the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans, and he joins us to break down why native plants matter for our environment, our infrastructure, and our everyday lives. We talk through the mission of the Native Plant Initiative, an all-volunteer organization focused on increasing the use and public awareness of native plants through public gardens, free plant and seed giveaways, and community education across the Greater New Orleans area.

We dig into how native plants support biodiversity from the soil up, provide critical habitat for pollinators and birds, and play a major role in stormwater management in a city that knows flooding all too well. Dexter also shares practical insights on replacing turf grass and non-native ornamentals, why native plants are more resilient and low-maintenance, and how even planting one native species can create real impact. The conversation highlights how accessible native gardening can be and how small actions, taken together, help build healthier ecosystems and more resilient neighborhoods.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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