Original 'Cajuns' back on the bayou

PHOTO: Pulling a large load of trash out of Bayou Teche between Leonville and Arnaudville is Blake Couvillion (at tiller), Keisha Melancon, Todd Couvillion, Philip Bolotte from JP’s Bar, Lance Simsick, Chris Pritchett of Bayou Teche Outfitters, and Katie Mayeux. (Submitted)
Blake Couvillion, originator of Cajuns for Bayou Teche, came out of retirement last Saturday to help pave the way for Top of the Teche, the first race of the Tour du Teche season this coming Saturday, April 18.
“We had a great day on the bayou, and made contact with several land owners along the banks,” Couvillion said.
“Our most important contact of the day was with a local farmer,” Couvillion said. “He was stacking household trash along the bayou banks to burn. With a boat load of garbage, we stopped and humbly asked if we could pick up the trash for him. Upon learning of our efforts, he said that he would burn the trash immediately and clean up his bayou bank for good. True to his word, we spotted the gentleman an hour later plowing under a smoldering fire with his large tractor. This landowner used the tractor to level out his bayou bank and return the area to its natural beauty.”
Couvillion, a founder of The TECHE Project, said he has not branched out on his own as “The Original” Cajuns for Bayou Teche, a 501(C)3 organization.
“We wish The TECHE Project the best of luck in all their endeavors, and we are excited to see two organizations out doing good work on the Bayou Teche.
Cajuns for Bayou Teche, now with four boats in the fleet, is planning another pick up and party in Arnaudville during the month of June, Couvillion said.
Top of the Teche is a 7 1/2-mile race for kayaks, canoes and SUPs from Leonville to Arnaudville, proceeds benefitting the Arnaudville Chamber of Commerce and Leonville Volunteer Fire Department. Go to www.tourduteche.com for more information.