Walking through the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Pedestrian Park is like reveling in an urban retreat.

You’ll see lots of native species like magnificent magnolias, world-famous and lush Louisiana Irises, and mighty Oaks and Sycamores. If you’re visiting the city during Mardi Gras (we hope you are!) keep your eyes open for the splendid pink flowers that bloom on the Magnolia trees.

There are 238 newly planted trees, and beyond being a wondrous sight to see, these trees will help eliminate 60 tons of carbon in the air over their lifetime, annually producing as much oxygen as 2,000 people breathe each year. Creating both a relaxing and purposeful environment, mature trees will help reduce the temperature in the park by 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Along the park’s walking path, there are several green walls that host a variety of plant species. Several native pollinator gardens house milkweed to support dazzling Monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico for the winter.

Whether you are need a little break from a busy day of convention meetings or want to rest your feet from a day full of exploring this mystical city, you’ll enjoy all the alluring landscape that the park offers.