Mangrove Restoration

Mangroves are an integral part of our environment. They act as a vital source of energy that provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish and nesting habitat for wading birds, stabilize shorelines by reducing erosion, improve water quality, and act as a buffer against storm damage.

“Many people are familiar with these iconic trees, but few may understand how tightly linked they are to the marine ecosystem in Southwest Florida.” – Kealy Pfau, SCCF Coastal Watch Director

Mangrove Restoration Projects

Woodring Road

Coastal Watch partnered with the City of Sanibel and MANG to fortify existing mangroves along a section of road that is subject to erosion and shoreline degradation. Hundreds of mangroves have been planted by volunteers at this site over the past several years, and progress is continually monitored.

Hemp Key

SCCF’s Marine Laboratory and Coastal Watch program partnered up to restore mangroves on Hemp Key in Pine Island Sound, which is a critical bird nesting area. The historic mangrove forest on Hemp Key was destroyed in 2004 from Hurricane Charley. Several mangrove planting events have been held since 2020, and the site is regularly monitored by SCCF scientists to ensure the mangroves are thriving.

Get ready to make a positive impact on your community and help safeguard our beautiful shoreline with the exciting Coastal Watch Adopt-A-Mangrove program. This initiative allows you to nurture mangroves at home until they are big enough to be planted at one of SCCF’s many restoration sites this year.

If you're eager to become a proud "Mangrove Mama" or a dedicated "Propagule Papa," mark your calendars for upcoming Adopt-A-Mangrove events. SCCF will provide you with a mangrove seedling, soil, and a pot to kickstart your participation in this program.

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