Amanda Post

The Day a Sea Turtle Ran the Seaside 5K Race

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It’s February 19th, the day of the 2023 Seaside 5K and half Marathon. After a spirited team huddle, I wobbled over to the start line. Turtle shell glistening, beak clamped, flippers pointed! GO! Off I jogged with my brother Alex, three dune sunflowers, two Dune Doctors, and eleven runners in toe.

Slowly one by one, my teammates raced off and left me behind, each representing a hero in the ongoing thriller of 30A’s coastal cycle of erosion and restoration. As a sea turtle, I was born for this. I was born a racer.

As a sea turtle, I was born a racer.

The second I left my nest, I knew I had to outpace hungry crabs, birds, raccoons, and fish on the race toward my Sargassum Seaweed nursery. My only clue on how to get there was the glimmering horizon illuminated by the moon’s reflection on the water.

I am lucky because my mom safely laid me along Seaside, a beach cared for by people who understand my attraction to bright lights. The night I emerged from my nest, behind me were dark, vegetated dunes that blocked human-made lights, and ahead was a single warm glow, calling me to the water. I safely made it.

A couple of decades have since passed, and I’ve reached adulthood. I return to Seaside every other year and only come ashore to nest. However, this time would mark an exception. On a balmy winter morning, I surfaced for a breath and noticed a peculiar bunch. They were digging along the beach as I do but, instead of eggs, they placed dune sunflowers and sea oats in the holes.

I swam ashore to check them out and the rest is history. I became friends with the Dune Doctors who help preserve and restore my nesting habitat by installing native plants along the dunes.

When I found out they needed racers for the Seaside Half Marathon and 5K, I volunteered.

This was my chance to venture beyond the sugar-white sand and explore the brackish dune lakes and ancient maritime forests the pelicans like to gabble about to us non-flight sea creatures. Also, Dune Doctors told me this race would benefit the nest (humans call it a school) where Seaside incubates their hatchlings.

Fueled by the spirit of adventure, I convinced my brother Alex to join me, and we began coming ashore to train, tracking laps along the beach (I’m sure we confused the nice people at the South Walton Sea Turtle Patrol with our false crawls – Don’t worry. We’re okay guys!)

Fast forward to Race Day, our team may have looked like a funny group, but we were prepared to give it our all, counting on the coastal winds to propel us to Olympian glory! Trust me they did. Drew Beroset, who I’m convinced is part osprey, won the 5K, completing the course in a swift 17:01 min at only 14 years old! Shortly behind him, my other teammates also swept the race, earning Dune Doctors first place in four age group categories.

I buddied up with one of our dune sunflowers Claire, and we finished the race in a record setting 101 min for a turtle-flower duo! Overjoyed with the results, we settled into a morning of festivities and were ecstatic to find out we also won the prize for the largest corporate team.

I was exhausted but pleased by the end of the weekend. Riding my jogger’s high, I danced to the rock tunes played by the Seaside School band and rallied around my teammates. We did it! After finishing our refreshing Modica mimosas, my brother and I trekked back to the emerald gulf where a feast of sea sponges, jellyfish, and crunchy urchins awaited us. My first Seaside 5K was a joyous adventure, and I promise to race again!

In the meantime, you will find me and my hatchlings along the beach during Turtle Nesting Season from May through November.

We made many friends along the way! Standing next to me is Arabella Comer the oldest racer (88yrs old) to compete in the Seaside 5K.

How to Show Your Native Sea Turtles Some Love

If you would like to help make my nesting habitat safer, please:

1. Keep my beaches clean and remember to fill in any holes.

2. To gulf-front homeowners, if you have sand fences with jagged wires, broken wood, or that are installed less than 7ft apart, please address these hazardous traps! My friends at Dune Doctors (866-386-3737) will help you replace the old fences with new ones designed to not interfere with my nesting.

3. Next, please remember that we are attracted to lights! Well-established, vegetated dunes help block man-made lights, but if your porch lights are visible from the beach, please use amber-colored light bulbs that are invisible to our eyes.

4. Next, please remember that we are attracted to lights! Well-established, vegetated dunes help block man-made lights, but if your porch lights are visible from the beach, please use amber-colored light bulbs that are invisible to our eyes.

5. If you would like to help protect, survey and rescue us sea turtles, you can volunteer with the South Walton Turtle Watch, our local sea turtle patrol group! SouthWaltonTurtleWatch.org.

6. Next, please save the South Walton Turtle Emergency Hotline (850) 865-4503 as a contact in your phone.

7. Finally, never push or attempt to move stranded animals back to the water! Please call the turtle hotline.

FWC NOTICE: It is unlawful to interfere, handle or disturb sea turtles, their nests, and hatchlings. These photos were taken during routine, permitted FWC activities by permitted individuals.

Thank you for all of your support in protecting my family! See you at the beach!

Gulf Shores Students Lead Dune Restoration West of the Gulf State Park Pier

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On a sunny Thursday morning, the dune mice that live to the west of the Gulf State Park Pier woke up to a crew of 200 Gulf Shores City School students ready to expand their habitat. In record time, the motivated volunteers installed 3,000 sea oats along a quarter-mile stretch of beach. Their goal was to initiate the development of new coastal dunes.

“The students accomplished in two hours what would typically be a multi-day event for park staff and volunteers,” says Kelly Reetz the Natural Resource Planner at the Gulf State Park. The student volunteers participated in the restoration through an educational initiative called Planting for Protection. Designed by Dune Doctors to promote coastal resiliency, Planting for Protection combines the hands-on restoration with nature-based learning.

Under the guidance of professionals from Dune Doctors, the Gulf State Park, and Alabama Fish and Wildlife, 30 Planting for Protection Mentors from Gulf Shores High and Middle School mobilized 166 fifth graders to lay the foundation for a field of new dunes.

The school’s robust Sustainability Academy has incorporated the event into their winter curriculum, engaging elementary, middle, and high school students.

The dune restoration at Gulf State Park Pier marked the second year an elite group of students became P4P Mentors, an honorary designation. To become a P4P Mentor, middle and high school students first had to be nominated by their professors. Once selected, they received training from Dune Doctors and Gulf State Park Naturalists in the proper installation of native coastal plants before guiding younger students through the restoration.

“It’s hard work with specific instructions. Poor installation is the primary reason sea oats die. These plants can survive hurricanes, but if they’re planted incorrectly or stepped on, they may survive but will not flourish,” says Frederique Beroset, plant biologist and CEO of Dune Doctors. To prepare for the event, P4P mentors received training on how to install the plants and on how to mobilize a group. “A key factor for the event’s success hinges on how well the P4P mentors can keep their team engaged by delegating a steady rotation of tasks to their 5th graders, ” says Rick Martin, Operations Director for Dune Doctors.

For event highlights, check out this event video produced by Amanda Post.

What did Students Learn at the Planting for Protection Event?

To better understand the ecological impact of their work, 5th graders attended three classes about the dune ecosystem. Introducing the unique environment, Kelly Reetz, discussed how coastal dunes form and the ecological services they provide to people and wildlife. Kelly Reetz is the Gulf State Park Natural Resource Planner and manages nine unique coastal ecosystems that span 6,000 acres.

Above, Kelly Reetz walks a small group of 5th graders up an established dune.

Frederique Beroset, plant biologist and CEO of Dune Doctors, focused her class on the native plants that anchor dunes in place by resisting the erosive forces of wind and waves. Beroset established Dune Doctors, a coastal restoration firm, in 2000 after years spent researching native coastal plants and developing protocols to grow underused species.

Frederique Beroset asks students to guess how deep a sea oats’ root system grows.

Bill Lynn, the Lead FWC Biologist for Alabama’s Beach Mice, taught the students about dune wildlife and showed them how he tracks the dune mice population throughout Baldwin County. Before they left, Bill thanked them on behalf of the animals “What you’re doing today will benefit not only the beach mice but also coastal birds and other wildlife. It’s amazing work. Thank you!”

Bill Lynn, Alabama Fish and Wildlife, poses with a group of 5th graders holding pictures of dune mice.

What do the Students who Participated Have to Say?

To read an article published by NBC 15 on the event click here.

Despite the heat, 5th Graders rallied behind their P4P mentors. A general consensus among the kids revealed that their favorite part was digging in the sand followed second by the classes. They were surprised to learn just how tiny the Alabama beach mice are and vowed to protect their habitat by telling people to stay off the dunes. Between shovels, a group rehearsed cool facts they would later share with absent classmates.

Beyond the wildlife, the students also learned about the protective benefits for the people of Gulf Shores. Major, a middle school P4P Mentor, said, “the dune ecosystem is the only line of defense that can stop violent waters from coming into our city. The dune system helps stop the waves from destroying our wildlife, plants, and people.”

Kevin and his team of students
Mallica and her team of students.

Kevin, a Gulf Shores Student Ambassador, seconded Major’s claim and said he hopes that through this event, the community of Gulf Shores can recognize how vital it is to invest in protecting the dune environment. Malicca, a P4P mentor attending a class on Gulf Shores’ hospitality industry, said she had fun guiding her younger students and took pride in restoring the area’s key economic driver: the native coastline.

To read WKRG’s article about the dune restoration click here.

How Does this Planting for Protection Event Benefit the Students of Gulf Shores City Schools?

The overarching goal of this Planting for Protection partnership is to help prepare the next generation of Coastal Stewards who will inherit the responsibility of preserving and protecting Gulf Shores. According to Jessica Sampley, the Gulf Shores High School Career Technician, the students develop a sense of ownership over their native environment after mixing their sweat and labor with the sand.

Jessica Sampley poses with a group of students.

Middle School Life Sciences teacher Andrew Schaff says this event allows his students to see how their native ecosystems “are brought to life in a real-world setting” through a unique service-learning opportunity.

Andrew Schaff poses next to the Planting for Protection Mentors.

What is a Planting for Protection Event?

Planting for Protection (P4P) is Dune Doctors’ educational initiative designed to promote coastal resiliency through hands-on dune restoration. With over 23 years of experience, our coastal restoration experts share their expertise with students to help educate the next generation of Coastal Stewards.

Media Coverage of the 2023 Planting for Protection Event

Gulf Coast Media : “Saving our World: Gulf Shores Gulf Shores students partner with Dune Doctors to install over 3,000 dune-building plants”

WKRG News: “Gulf Shores students help re-plant and restore dune system”

NBC 15 News: “Gulf Shores Students Team Up With Dune Doctors to Combat Erosion”

Discussing Coastal Resiliency: An Interview with Five Coastal Stewards

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Article Summary: Dune Doctors interviewed five Coastal Stewards and asked them to share one thing they wish everyone would know about coastal resiliency.

Withstanding powerful forces, coastal residents have made a home along the Gulf Coast! For over twenty-two years, Dune Doctors has served these communities by preserving and strengthening the native landscapes that host diverse wildlife and vegetation while protecting water-front properties. As coastal restoration is only achievable through integrated efforts, Dune Doctors has partnered with like-minded professionals and volunteers who share our mission of coastal stewardship. To that end, our team interviewed five Coastal Stewards we have the ongoing privilege of working with! We asked them each four questions and included one answer from each person in this article. Throughout 2023, we will make the individual interviews available with each publication of our “ON CALL” Newsletter.

Sign-up for our ON-CALL Newsletter

This article includes answers from these five coastal stewards we regularly partner with:

1. Kelly Reetz who has co-hosted numerous community-based dune restoration events with our team.
2. Samantha Bolduc and Barb Van Stavern, each facilitating sea turtle conservation programs that ensure our restoration efforts meet Fish and Wildlife regulatory compliance.
3. Captain Joseph Morrow, a senior coastal engineer, we engage when designing customized solutions for high-risk and erosion-prone dune ecosystems. best-possible solution for a unique situation – we reach out and have other experts consult and join the team. for unique projects we reach out to engineering experts to join the team.
4. Lori Raisch who promotes coastal resiliency throughout Perdido Key with the community’s Chamber of Commerce.

What is something you wish everyone would know about coastal resiliency?

Kelly Reetz Gulf State Park Natural Resource Planner

Kelly Reetz

NATURAL RESOURCE PLANNER, GULF STATE PARK, AL

“Coastal resiliency is so important for the Gulf State Park. Through partners like Dune Doctors, we are able to help locals to have a personal investment and interest in protecting and helping the natural dunes along our coast. By involving locals in the work (dune restoration), their sweat and earned blisters (while planting sea oats) help them to feel ownership of the coastal environment and Gulf State Park. This feeling of “ownership” gives them the desire to continue to serve as coastal stewards.”

    Captain Joseph Morrow stands in front of a suspended surf board

    Captain Joseph Morrow

    SENIOR COASTAL ENGINEER WITH MRD ASSOCIATES, Inc.

    “Coastal Resiliency may be the latest buzzword to describe efforts to bolster coastal infrastructure against future flooding and storms. However, it is absolutely necessary as we enter a new chapter in accelerating sea level rise [1]. NASA recently published a study showing that starting in the mid-2030s, the alignment of rising sea levels with a lunar cycle will cause coastal cities all around the U.S. to begin a decade of dramatic increases in nuisance flooding [2].“

    [1] https://sealevel.nasa.gov/news/244/nasa-study-rising-sea-level-could-exceed-estimates-for-us-coasts/

    [2] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/study-projects-a-surge-in-coastal-flooding-starting-in-2030s

      Samantha Bolduc poses behind a sea turtle

      Samantha Bolduc

      ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY

      “Coastal resiliency is about so much more than ensuring our beaches have sand on them. It is making sure they still function as natural systems and can support native wildlife. It is ensuring they are strong enough to withstand storms and to protect our homes and businesses in an ever-changing climate. And, it ensures that we protect the economic driver of our region; and the reason why so many of us choose to live and retire in Northwest Florida.“

        Barb Van Stavern stands with her hand on her hips

        Barb Van Stavern

        AREA COORDINATOR FOR SOUTH WALTON COUNTY TURTLE WATCH GROUP

        Restoration and natural regeneration both take time, and some habitats and species can still be negatively impacted during this restorative period. Something we wish everyone knew about coastal resiliency is to not take it for granted. Be good environmental stewards, carry out what you carry in, recycle, obtain proper permits and follow local ordinances and permitting requirements that are in place to protect our native habitats and wildlife. This way, everyone can continue to enjoy them for future generations, and our protected species can build healthy populations.

          Lori Raisch receives a kiss from a dolphin

          Lori Raisch

          ENGAGEMENT MANAGER FOR THE PERDIDO KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

          I hope everyone can recognize the importance of being good coastal stewards even with development! By incorporating native plants and a well-thought-out design of natural storm barriers, not only do we protect our buildings and homes, but we keep the natural beauty, that attracts visitors and residents, intact for generations to come.

            These five Coastal Stewards are part of an extensive network of Gulf-loving people who are working together to preserve and protect our precious coastline. As we work year-round to achieve the highest level of sustainable coastal resiliency, our efforts could not progress without the foundational backing and support of those who also regard the natural coastal environment as a valuable asset that must be invested in, respected, and cared for. Dune Doctors stands ready to continue serving commercial, private, and government properties. For more information about our services you reach us at 866-386-3737 or by clicking here to submit a help request through out “contact-us” form.

            Orange Beach, AL Second Graders Restore Cotton Bayou Beach Access

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            What can a group of determined kids accomplish in four hours? When it comes to the second-grade class at Orange Beach Elementary School, they can restore a public beach access with roughly 2,000 native plants. On October 13th and 14th, Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center and the Sea, Sand, and Stars Nature and Science Center partnered with Dune Doctors and Gulf State Park Naturalists to host a Dune Restoration Event for 80 students to install native dune-building plants at the Cotton Bayou Beach Access, Orange Beach, AL. This educational partnership is part of Dune Doctors’ mission to promote coastal resiliency through hands-on dune restoration and classes. Dune Doctors is a coastal erosion control firm based out of Pensacola, Florida, specializing in planning, constructing, and maintaining native ecosystems and protective landscapes.

            Frederique Beroset, CEO of Dune Doctors teaches a class on native coastal vegetation while holding sea oats
            Frederique Beroset MBA & MS Biology taught a class on native coastal vegetation, so the students could understand how the plants work together to stabilize and build dune ecosystems.

            The field trip aligned with the second-grade curriculum as students were currently learning about slow and fast forms of erosion. For some students this event was their first school field trip after entering the schooling system at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

            What did the Students do at the Dune Restoration Event?

            Before planting, the students attended three classes on native coastal plants, dune wildlife, and dune formation. The classes were taught by Amanda Post, Educational Coordinator for Dune Doctors, Kelly Reetz the Resource Manager for the Gulf State Park, and Frederique Beroset the CEO of Dune Doctors. After the classes, the students split into groups to install the vegetation. The students worked with various native plants, including sea oats, panic grass, sea purslane, beach elder, and red morning glory.

            Amanda Post teaches a class on dune formation
            Frederique Beroset, CEO of Dune Doctors introduces native dune flowers to a group of students
            Kelly Reetz from the Gulf State Park demonstrates how sea turtles nest by digging a hole in the sand while a group of students observe her

            How Does this Dune Restoration Event Benefit the Community of Orange Beach, Alabama?

            The overarching goal for the event was to help kids develop a sense of stewardship over their local dune environment. Jackie McGonigal, the Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center Coordinator, who bridged the connection between the local school and organizations shared her “goal is to increase environmental literacy.” Nikki Walker, a teacher from the Sea, Sand, and Stars Science and Nature Center, said the restoration encouraged students to develop a personal connection to the dune environment and return to Cotton Bayou Beach with their loved ones.

            “Our goal is to increase environmental literacy.”

            Jackie McGonigal, Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center Coordinator
            Amanda Post teaches students how to properly install a native dune plant
            Orange Beach, AL elementary students plant a native sea oat
            An Orange Beach elementary school student digs a hole to plant native dune vegetation
            A group of students try to build a coastal dune with their hands
            Kelly Reetz stands next to a group of students who are installing native dune plants
            Rick Martins, the Operations Director for Dune Doctors leads a group of students in planting native dune vegetation
            Dune Doctors organizes coastal vegetation to be installed
            Orange Beach students exit the Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access
            Amanda Post stands with a group of students behind a picture sign that presents how coastal dunes form

            Why Engage Students to Participate in a Dune Restoration?

            Coastal dunes are nature’s first line of defense against destructive wave action. However, even though these vegetated mounds can help absorb the impacts of storm surge, dune ecosystems are threatened by foot traffic erosion and imprudent development. Dune Doctors’ mission is to promote the stewardship of coastal ecosystems by encouraging people to regard the natural coastal environment as a valuable asset that must be invested-in, respected, and cared for. With over 22 years of experience in building coastal resiliency for commercial, private, and government properties, our restoration experts share their expertise with students to help educate the next generation of Coastal Stewards. Dune Doctors organizes dune restoration events through partnerships with schools, governmental organizations, NGO’s, and other communities.

            “At Dune Doctors, we are passionate about building and maintaining healthy dunes to help protect coastal communities from storm surge. To promote the importance of this critical ecosystem, we also lead hands-on dune restoration events designed to educate and empower Coastal Stewards of all ages to take ownership over the preservation of their local beach and dune environment.”

            Frederique Beroset MBA & MS Biology, CEO of Dune Doctors

            Want to Build Sustainable Coastal Resiliency for Your Property?

            If you live along the coastline and want to join other owners in strengthening your natural dune ecosystem, contact us at 866-386-3737 or fill out this form to request a free Dune Health Assessment. Our Coastal Restoration Experts will visit your property to evaluate the health levels of your dune environment and determine where potential failure points and at-risk areas may exist. After diagnosing the specific needs of your property, Dune Doctors will provide you with a Dune Master Plan™, a personalized roadmap designed for you to achieve coastal dune resiliency and property fortification.

            Gulf Shores Kids Install 4,000 Native Dune Plants

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            On February 22-23, Gulf Shores City Schools partnered with Dune Doctors and Gulf State Park Naturalists to host a Planting for Protection (P4P) Event for 185 students to install roughly 4,000 native dune-building plants and initiate a new row of coastal dunes along the Gulf State Park, AL. Planting for Protection is an educational initiative designed by Dune Doctors to promote coastal resiliency through community-based dune restoration.

            Teachers from the Gulf Shores High School Sustainability Program incorporated the Planting for Protection (P4P) events into their spring semester lecture series. To help enhance the curriculum, Dune Doctors provided them with professional training on the different man-made and natural threats that contribute to coastal erosion. Leading up to the event, the teachers nominated 39 students to be P4P Mentors. Dune Doctors and Gulf State Park Naturalists trained the mentors in the installation of native vegetation. The P4P Mentors then taught the 5th-graders how to plant.

            What did Students do at the Planting for Protection Event?

            Debbie Williams with WKRG covered the Planting for Protection event. To read more click here.

            Before each planting session, the students attended three classes on native coastal plants, dune wildlife, and dune development. The classes were taught by Cory Powell a Gulf State Park Naturalist, Kelly Reetz the Resource Manager for the Gulf State Park, and Frederique Beroset the CEO of Dune Doctors. The P4P mentors then mobilized their 5th-graders to install the vegetation. The students worked with various native plants including sea oats, panic grass, sea purslane, beach elder, and red morning glory.

            What do the Students who Participated Have to Say?

            Planting for Protection Mentors taught 5th-graders how to properly install native dune vegetation.

            Aiden, a 5th Grader, said his favorite part was digging holes with the shovels. His classmate Briley said her favorite part was working with the gel (the gel is an environmentally-compliant method of providing newly installed vegetation with the moisture necessary to establish in sand). Both students stressed that their biggest takeaway was learning about the damaging effect of foot traffic. Briley wants everyone to “stick to boardwalks” because footpaths that cut through dunes “create pathways for storm water to reach the city.”

            Jessie, a horticulture student and P4P Mentor, said this event benefitted her group because they learned the kind of work that goes into restoring their local dune ecosystems. Another P4P mentor had a clear message for the city of Gulf Shores. Kevin, a Student Ambassador with Gulf Shores City Schools, said, “these dunes are vital for the survival and health of the community along the coastline. Any opportunity the city of Gulf Shores has to restore these dunes would be widely beneficial to everyone.”

            How Does this Planting for Protection Event Benefit the Community of Gulf Shores, Alabama?

            The overarching goal for the event was to help kids develop a sense of ownership over the dune environment, expose the P4P mentors to professionals in the Green Industry, and provide the P4P mentors with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Jessica Sampley, the school’s Academies and Carrier Coordinator, expressed her excitement at how well the event came together and urged other schools to seize the opportunity to host one too. She said, “our goal is to educate kids who can then, hopefully, educate others to participate in preserving our local environment.” Johanna Gertsch, a Gulf State Park Naturalist, said the P4P restoration will help increase the park’s natural protective dune systems, offering greater protection for the ecosystems and communities landward of the dunes.

            The Teachers from the Gulf Shores City Schools participated in the fun too!

            What is a Planting for Protection Event?

            Planting for Protection (P4P) is Dune Doctors’ educational initiative designed to promote coastal resiliency through hands-on dune restoration. With over 22 years of experience, our coastal restoration experts share their expertise with students to help educate the next generation of coastal stewards. Dune Doctors organizes Planting for Protection events through partnerships with Homeowner Associations, Schools, Government Organizations, NGO’s, and other communities. Should you want to bring a P4P event to your community, please reach our team through our Contact Us form.

            How Coastal Stewards Can Protect Florida’s Beach-Nesting Birds

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            • Article Highlight: Florida’s beach-nesting birds need your help! Development has decreased the birds’ nesting habitat, so mindful cohabitation is necessary to ensure successful nesting.
            • Key Takeaway: The key to successful nesting is to minimize human disturbances. A good rule of thumb is: if you cause a bird to take flight, you are too close.
            • Take Action: Watch the video below to better understand how to help shoreline birds. If you’re a waterfront property owner, reach out to Dune Doctors to have our coastal restoration experts come evaluate the health of your native landscape and address any erosion issues that impact both your property and wildlife.

            The beach teems with life during warm weather. While tourists flock in mass to enjoy the coastline, millions of birds do the same – seeking out isolated Florida beaches to build nesting colonies. With this increase in human activity overlapping such a critical time in the lifecycle of different shoreline birds, mindful cohabitation is necessary to keep the environment safe and conducive to nesting. Ongoing development has made it increasingly difficult for coastal wildlife to find undisturbed, people-free beaches. Therefore, as the nesting birds are forced to share the environment with beachgoers, Coastal Stewards can help protect them by educating others on how to enjoy themselves without posing a threat to the nesting population. Through collective awareness, we can increase nesting success and hatchling survival. Below are eight ways to help beach-nesting shorebirds.

            How to Help Beach-Nesting Birds Fledge their Young  

            According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife, birds that migrate to Florida have flown hundreds of miles to reach our shores and are “pushed to the very limit of their physical abilities” when they arrive. In a weakened state, the birds become highly susceptible to any disturbances and prefer to nest on barrier islands and sandbars, away from land predators. However, human and domesticated animals present a considerable risk – as these barrier islands and sand bars, once isolated areas, now increasingly attract beachgoers, their pets, and their boats. The vulnerable populations include gulls, terns, black skimmers, plovers, willets, and oystercatchers. Coastal Stewards can help Florida’s beach-nesting birds fledge their young by following the steps below. 

            1. Stay at least 500ft away from a group of birds. Minimizing disturbance is the key to successful nesting. The camouflaged nests are not easy to spot, so stay back to avoid accidentally crushing eggs and hatchlings.
            2. Don’t force the birds to fly. Flushing them will cause adults to leave their hatchlings vulnerable to scorching sunlight. With enough disturbances, the adults may abandon the nesting colony altogether. 
            3. Leave pets at home or keep them leashed. One dog can compromise an entire colony in a matter of seconds. 
            4. Don’t leave any trash, fish scraps, or food behind. Predators like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes will follow these food sources to the beach.
            5. Don’t feed the birds. The food source, again, attracts predators. 
            6. Don’t shoot off personal fireworks. Fireworks scatter debris along the beach, and birds may eat it. Also, the noise frightens the adults and hatchlings, leading to potential nest abandonment.
            7. Respect nesting warning signs. Avoid areas that are sectioned off for nesting and encourage other beachgoers to do the same.  
            8. Get involved! The Audubon Society and other environmental agencies are always on the lookout for volunteers. Click here to find out more.

            Remember: If a bird takes flight or dive-bombs you, you are too close. 

            How Can Coastal Property Owners Help Protect Shoreline Birds?

            Waterfront property owners can help nesting wildlife by preserving and maintaining their coastal landscape. If a private dune system is overrun with invasive plants and dead plant material (thatch), it creates a hospitable environment for invasive animals that will prey on native species. Furthermore, if erosive issues like stormwater that drains seaward through the dune, an active irrigation system that kills dune-stabilizing vegetation, or unmanaged foot traffic are not addressed the dune system will enter a heightened state of erosion – negatively impacting the beach where shoreline birds build nesting colonies. Healthy, well-maintained coastal dunes are the first lines of defense against storm surge. However, their purpose extends beyond absorbing the impact of destructive wave action. Dunes are part of the coastal ecosystem that hosts a wide range of resilient animals. From shoreline birds to sea turtles and dune mice, the survival of these species, much like the survival of coastal communities, depends on proactive stewardship of our native protective landscape. That being said, proactive coastal stewardship is achieved through longterm planning and consistent dune maintenance. Dune Doctors can help you build sustainable coastal resiliency and solve erosion issues that are impacting your dune system with a personalized Dune Master Plan™ that addresses the unique needs of your property. Our team will manage all aspects of restoring and maintaining your coastal landscape in full compliance with local and federal environmental regulations. Reach us at 866-386-3737 or contact us through this form to request a site visit today.

            Coastal Steward Resources to Help Shoreline Birds: