The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Coastal Watch reported that thanks to the support of 708 mangrove mamas and propagule papas, over 1,800 mangroves have been adopted to homes, schools and businesses across Southwest Florida. Each mangrove represents a direct investment in restoring and strengthening local coastlines. Mangroves are foundational to the health of coastal ecosystems. They provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish, nesting and roosting areas for wading birds, and a source of energy within estuarine food webs. Their root systems stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and help buffer coastal communities from storm surge and wave energy. In the wake of recent hurricanes, many local mangroves have been damaged and are recovering. With the support of the community, Coastal Watch is stepping in through its Adopt-A-Mangrove Program to give the resilient trees the extra boost they need to rebound and establish the next generation of coastal defenders. For more information about the program, visit https://sccf.org/adoptamangrove/.
