Thanks to the incredible support of 708 Mangrove Mamas and Propagule Papas, more than 1,800 mangroves have been adopted to loving homes, schools, and businesses across Southwest Florida. Each adopted mangrove represents a direct investment in restoring and strengthening our local coastlines. 

Mangroves are foundational to the health of our coastal ecosystems. They provide essential nursery habitat for juvenile fish, nesting and roosting areas for wading birds, and a critical source of energy within estuarine food webs. Their complex root systems stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and help buffer our coastal communities from storm surge and wave energy.

In the wake of recent hurricanes, many of our local mangroves have been damaged and are recovering. With the support of the community, SCCF is stepping in to give these resilient trees the extra boost they need to rebound and establish the next generation of coastal defenders. 

Each year, SCCF Coastal Watch invites the community to take part in this immersive conservation effort by adopting a mangrove seedling into their home or business. Volunteers nurture their young mangroves through the winter months, and in the spring, these carefully grown and cared-for trees are planted at a local restoration site.  

“This program increases our impact by allowing more propagules to be raised throughout the region, giving us more space in our mangrove nursery,” says Community Conservation Coordinator and “mangrove whisperer” Skye McDonald. “It also helps instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of mangroves in Southwest Florida.”

By adopting a mangrove, participants have a hands-on, tangible experience with these vital trees. Whether it’s a good-natured race to see whose mangrove grows the fastest or singing to their mangrove to encourage strong roots and bright, vivid leaves, each parent gets the chance to feel more connected to natural coastal resilience. 

“We feel so lucky to have such an amazing community that shows up for our mangrove adoption events,” says McDonald. “We love being able to educate and connect with people to share the importance of mangroves.” 

Stay tuned for mangrove planting opportunities this spring with SCCF’s Coastal Watch!