The Louisiana coastal zone is a unique geographic feature. Soil carried by the Mississippi River has been deposited in Louisiana for the last 6,000 years to form the coastal area. All natural features in coastal Louisiana relate to materials and processes associated with the emptying of the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico. The interactions of these two water systems have contributed to the importance of Louisiana as a center of domestic and world trade. Coastal deterioration is a natural phenomenon; however, human activities can accelerate this process. Coastal Louisiana is experiencing increasing rates of wetland loss, wetland alteration, and water quality degradation. This guide presents information which will help to educate the public about the existing problems, particularly information about the Lafourche Parish coastal zone areas. Contents include a listing of figures, foreword, acknowledgements, members of the curriculum committee, rationale and objectives, outline of content, glossary, bibliography, resources, and four appendices. (RT)