Coastal Watch celebrates successful initiative launch
Coastal Watch reported that it is celebrating a successful launch of its new initiative as more than 140 mangrove propagules are now being cared for in the residences of Back to Our Roots participants.
Back to Our Roots is a community-led initiative to learn about, grow and restore mangroves on Sanibel and Captiva. Participants received a mangrove propagule that they are caring for until it is ready to be planted at a local restoration site later this year.
From January through March, Coastal Watch held five workshops to share the importance of mangroves to the barrier island ecosystem. Conservation Initiative Coordinator Kealy McNeal led each session virtually via Zoom.
“One of the benefits to having the virtual workshops was that we were able to reach out to several people who wouldn’t otherwise have been able attend in person,” she said. “Most of the workshop participants watched from their homes on Sanibel, however we did have some participants that watched from other states. During the five workshops, we received shout-outs from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and California.”
During each workshop, McNeal discussed mangrove biology, shared the threats they face and how the public can do its part to conserve the vital trees. At the conclusion of each workshop, she provided instructions on how to care for the mangrove propagules that the participants would receive. Over 140 propagules were given out through the program and are now being cared for by the participants.
“Back to Our Roots participants are currently fostering their mangrove propagules and helping them grow into strong and healthy seedlings,” McNeal said. “Our ‘mangrove mamas’ and ‘propagule papas’ will return their seedlings back to us in November or earlier if they are traveling back up north before the summer heat hits us. The seedlings will then start getting prepared to be planted in their forever home at our restoration sites.”
She believes that the issues the local ecosystem faces will only be improved by educating the public.
“We had over 80 members of the community participate in our first round of workshops, listening for an hour about mangroves and why Coastal Watch is focusing on restoring mangrove habitats in and around Sanibel,” McNeal said. “My hope is that the participants will not only keep engaging in our initiative by growing mangroves at their homes, but also by passing along what they have learned to others.”
Back to Our Roots workshops have concluded for the season, but will be scheduled again next season. Coastal Watch encourages the community to stay tuned for more information about mangrove restoration plantings later this year.
For more information on the initiative, visit https://sancapcoastalwatch.org/back-to-our-roots.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, Coastal Watch creates and implements conservation initiatives that promote and improve the future of marine resources and coastal heritage. For more information, visit sancapcoastalwatch.org or contact coastalwatch@sanibelseaschool.org.