SCCF’s Coastal Watch, with the help of the nonprofit’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center and Habitat Management program, is calling on community members to join a crucial restoration effort at SCCF’s Gulf Ridge Preserve. The historical marsh at the preserve, devastated by Hurricane Ian, urgently needs your help to thrive again.

 

Four days of marsh planting are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 14, May 16, May 21, and May 23. We’re looking for eager volunteers to assist us in planting thousands of native plants before the rainy season arrives. Two-hour shifts are available, with 20 openings for each shift.

 

The Gulf Ridge Preserve, located on the west end of Sanibel Island, suffered significant damage during Hurricane Ian, leaving behind a landscape strewn with fallen trees and barren marshes. To kickstart the restoration process and mitigate fire risks, we have removed debris and prepared the land for replanting.

 

However, one casualty of the storm was the loss of a vital spartina marsh, essential for the survival of numerous native species. Time is of the essence, with the rainy season looming, making the restoration urgent.

 

We’re on a mission to plant 6,500 native plants within this two-week timeframe to breathe life back into this critical habitat. The restoration efforts will focus on planting sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri) and sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense). These native species will replace areas damaged by saltwater intrusion, restoring the preserve’s natural balance.

 

This is an opportunity for our community to come together, get a little dirty, and make a big difference. Gather your family, friends, and neighbors, and join us in this vital endeavor. Together, we can rejuvenate the Gulf Ridge Preserve and safeguard Sanibel’s biodiversity for generations to come.

 

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something meaningful. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and sign up now to volunteer – visit sccf.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

 

About Coastal Watch

 

SCCF’s Coastal Watch implements local, volunteer-based initiatives to restore our habitats, clean our environment, and encourage sustainability. Founded in 1967, SCCF’s mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

 

To learn more about Coastal Watch, visit sccf.org/get-involved/coastal-watch