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Volunteers Plant Mangroves at Gulf Harbour
On June 19, Coastal Watch and Marine Lab staff joined forces with the Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club community to restore the shoreline of Eagle Perch Island. This small island serves as a crucial barrier, protecting the community’s marina and clubhouse. Spearheaded by the Gulf Harbour management team, the event welcomed over 40 dedicated residents to come together to plant 250 red mangroves.
Ralph Vinci, one of the volunteers, shared his experience.
“Today on Eagle Perch Island in Gulf Harbour, we’re planting baby mangroves that were pretty much washed away during Hurricane Ian. The job is actually tougher than I thought it was going to be, given that there are a lot of rocks you have to move,” he said. “But other than that, you plant the mangroves and hopefully in a few years they’ll grow to be bigger ones and protect the island from erosion.”
The mangrove planting is not only a step toward safeguarding the Caloosahatchee River estuary but also a symbol of community resilience and environmental stewardship. Volunteer Joe Borak reflected on the significance of the event.
“The whole Fort Myers area was devastated by Ian and we’re just glad to be a part of helping Gulf Harbour get back to normal, restore the beauty of our community, and be a part of this great event.”
One volunteer summed up the experience as a “morning science lesson and workout,” highlighting the educational and physical aspects of the mangrove planting efforts. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the Gulf Harbour community are paving the way for a healthier and more resilient shoreline.