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Planting with a Purpose – Red Mangrove Week

Calling all campers! Mangroves need our help after Hurricane Ian, so this week is dedicated to none other than the red mangrove. Known as “walking trees” by some and Rhizophora mangle to others, red mangroves have continuously growing prop roots and bright green canopies. Mangrove forests may be smelly, but they are great playgrounds, not only for young campers but also for juvenile fish and crabs that use them as nurseries. During intense storms, mangrove forests act as buffers, reducing wave action, preventing erosion, and absorbing floodwaters. But it comes at a cost, and Sanibel Sea School is here to help. This week we will assist with mangrove restoration and plant propagules with Coastal Watch! And, of course, we’ll ride the tides and explore a little-known mangrove creek to appreciate the trees that feed the sea. It will be muddy, stinky, and salty – because that’s how we like it at this sandy bucket school!