Apalachicola Reserve Host Workshop on Living Shorelines

~Learn the science behind using a living shoreline vs. a harden shoreline ~

APALACHICOLA – The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) will host a workshop on Living Shorelines on Wednesday, December 9th, 2015, 2:00-4:30 pm. The workshop will be held in conjunction with the Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office in Pensacola. Zach Schang, the Living Shoreline Program Manager will talk about living shorelines vs. harden shorelines. He will discuss how to evaluate a shoreline by considering the physical factors such as wave energy, prevailing wind and wave direction, vegetation, and soil type. He will also present living shoreline methods, materials, permitting, and share success stories of local living shorelines. We will also look at types of plants to plant and visit a local living shoreline.

Coastal erosion is a natural process. It is caused by currents, wave action, wind, storms and even boat wakes. The traditional use of harden methods like seawalls and rip rap can often increase coastal erosion in neighboring properties and remove the ability of the shoreline to carry out natural processes. Alternatively, living shorelines use plants, sand, and limited use of oyster shells or rock to provide shoreline protection and maintain valuable habitat that stabilizes the shoreline, protects the surrounding riparian and intertidal environment, increases water quality via filtration of upland run-off, and creates habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species.

The lecture is free and registration is suggested. For more information please contact Anita Grove at 850-670-7708 or Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us.

WHAT:    Living Shorelines

WHEN:    Wednesday, December 9^th 2:00-4:00 pm

WHERE:  108 Island Drive, Eastpoint, Florida 32328

      

*For this class please park on the east side of the building off Millender Street