COASTAL WATCH

On June 19, Coastal Watch and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Lab staff joined the Gulf Harbour community in Fort Myers to restore the shoreline of Eagle Perch Island.

Coastal Watch reported that the 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 residents to come together to plant 250 red mangroves.

“Today on Eagle Perch Island in Gulf Harbour, we’re planting baby mangroves that were pretty much washed away during Hurricane Ian,” volunteer Ralph Vinci said. “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. 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.”

Coastal Watch reported that the planting was not only a step toward safeguarding the Caloosahatchee River estuary, it was also a symbol of community resilience and environmental stewardship.

“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,” volunteer Joe Borak said.

COASTAL WATCH

Another volunteer summed up the experience as a “morning science lesson and workout,” highlighting the educational and physical aspects of the mangrove planting efforts.

COASTAL WATCH

COASTAL WATCH