Amanda Post

Dune Architects: How Beach Mice Help Dunes Stay Healthy

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ARTICLE HIGHLIGHT: Beach mice are small animals that help keep sand dunes healthy by spreading seeds and digging burrows.

MAIN TAKEAWAY: Beach mice are very important. If they are doing well, it usually means the dune habitat is healthy too.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Stay off the dunes, keep outdoor lights low at night, and plant native plants to help protect beach mice and their homes.

Meet the Beach Mouse

Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Along the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast lives a tiny animal called the beach mouse. Even though it is small, it plays a big role in keeping dunes healthy. Scientists study beach mouse populations to assess dune health. In general, more beach mice mean a healthier dune habitat. Beach mice live along the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Florida.

Where Did Beach Mice Come From?

Beach mice came from the old field mouse, which lives in the southeastern United States. Over many years, some mice became separated along the coast. They slowly evolved to fit life on the beach, creating different kinds of beach mice. Today, there are five Gulf Coast beach mouse subspecies, and each lives in its own part of the coast.

All Gulf Coast beach mice are listed as threatened or endangered because they are losing their homes. A threatened animal could become endangered. An endangered animal is at risk of disappearing forever.

What is life like for a Beach Mouse?

Beach mice are about 4 to 5½ inches long, including their tails. They weigh about as much as two or three nickels. Their light brown or gray fur helps them blend in with the sand and hide from predators.

Beach mice are active at night and usually stay with the same mate for life. A mother has about four babies at a time, and the babies grow quickly. Within a month, they are ready to have their own young. Most beach mice live less than one year in the wild.

They eat seeds from beach plants like sea oats, as well as insects. They also save extra seeds in their burrows to eat later.

Beach mice dig amazing burrows in the sand. A sloping tunnel leads down to a nesting chamber about 2 to 3 feet underground. They also dig an escape tunnel that comes out just below the sand’s surface. These burrows protect the mice from predators and bad weather. The burrows can be used and repaired by many generations of beach mice. One beach mouse may build a burrow with up to 10 chambers, creating a large underground tunnel system beneath the dunes.

Why Are Beach Mice Called Dune Architects?

Beach mice help spread the seeds of native plants as they gather food. Plants like sea oats hold the sand in place with their roots. This helps sand dunes grow back after storms.

Because beach mice need healthy dunes to survive, scientists can use them as a sign of how healthy the dune habitat is. If beach mouse numbers go down, it may mean the dunes are in trouble.

What Threatens Beach Mice?

The biggest threat is habitat loss. Building houses, roads, and hotels destroys the dunes where beach mice live.

Bright outdoor lights also make it harder for beach mice to find food because predators can see them more easily with bright lights. Cats and foxes hunt beach mice, and hurricanes can destroy their burrows and dune habitat.

Scientists are helping beach mice by restoring dunes and moving some mice to safe places where they can start new populations.

What is Being Done to Protect Beach Mice?

Beach Mice are protected at the Federal level, and many communities relied on permits directly from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain approval for development in areas that could impact beach mice habitat. However, in Perdido Key, FL a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Authorization of Coverage, also called a Beach Mouse Permit, is used instead.

In the past, property owners had to apply directly to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an Incidental Take Permit, which could take up to two years. To make the process faster while still protecting wildlife, Escambia County now has its own permit program. If a project meets the county’s Habitat Conservation Plan requirements, the county can issue a Beach Mouse Permit instead.

Property owners need this permit if their land contains critical or suitable beach mouse habitat. To receive the permit, they must submit a Habitat Management Plan, site plans, and pay required fees. They also must follow conservation rules, such as minimizing impacts to wildlife, completing wildlife surveys before construction, and recording legal protections for the property.

Permits are given on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limit to how much beach mouse habitat can be disturbed every five years.

How Can You Help?

You can help protect beach mice by:

  • Stay on boardwalks and marked paths instead of walking on dunes.
  • Turn off or lower outdoor lights at night.
  • Keep pet cats indoors.
  • Plant native dune plants like sea oats.
  • Leave storm-damaged plants in place when possible because they help dunes recover.
  • Tell others why beach mice are important.

Even though beach mice are tiny, they help keep sand dunes healthy and strong. Protecting them also protects the beaches and wildlife that depend on these special coastal habitats.

Stay Out of Trouble: A Guide to Florida’s Coastal Construction Control Line

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Article Highlight: The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) is a regulatory boundary enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to protect Florida’s native coastal ecosystems while allowing for safe, responsible coastal development.

Main Takeaway: All projects seaward of the CCCL are subject to increased regulations and permitting requirements, impacting everything from landscaping to building alterations and the care of native vegetation.

Application: Do you know where the CCCL intersects your property? If not, contact Dune Doctors to obtain an aerial map showing the CCCL’s location on your property. Before performing any work seaward of the CCCL—or hiring a contractor to do so—ensure that you have applied for all necessary permits. Dune Doctors can help you obtain the permits.

What is the CCCL and Why is it Important?

Florida’s coastline is one of the state’s most dynamic environments. Beaches constantly shift in shape and width under the influence of waves, tides, storms, and wind, yet coastal development continues to expand. Given these ever-changing conditions, it is reasonable to wonder how homes and other structures can be built and maintained so close to the surf.

One of the key tools that makes this possible is the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL), a regulatory boundary established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to promote sustainable coastal development. The CCCL balances responsible development with the preservation of the beaches, dunes, and other coastal systems that help protect waterfront communities from destructive wave action and flooding.

Importantly, the CCCL does not prohibit construction seaward of the line. Instead, it marks an area where development is subject to heightened regulatory standards. Work past the CCCL requires approvals or permits from county, state, and, in some cases, federal agencies, depending on the nature and scope of the proposed work. Because these requirements can be complex, an understanding of the CCCL is essential for coastal property owners seeking to protect their investment while remaining in compliance with Florida law.

What Does Florida’s Government Consider When Issuing a Permit?

At the state level, permit decisions are governed by Chapter 62B-33 of the Florida Administrative Code, and they involve careful review of multiple environmental and structural factors. Specifically, the FDEP assesses:

  • Impacts on the beach and dune system
  • Effects on adjacent properties
  • Preservation of native vegetation
  • Protection of wildlife habitat
  • Maintenance of public access to the beach

In our experience, most permit applications are approved, but often with design modifications to ensure the project complies with environmental and construction performance standards.

What Kind of Coastal Maintenance, Construction, and Landscaping Work Requires a Permit in Florida?

After reviewing the legislation, our team has devised an easy three-part test to determine if a permit may be required.

  1. Does it impact the grade of the sand? Grade refers to the sand’s surface. Example: installing sand fences or laying a concrete slab to install new air conditioning units. You need a permit for both.
  2. Does it impact native vegetation? If you plan to remove or prune native vegetation, you absolutely need a permit. No questions asked.
  3. Are you enlarging an existing, permitted structure? Extending a boardwalk? Installing a retention wall alongside your pool? Paving a new section of your parking lot? You need a permit.

What about day-to-day Property Management? Do You Always Need a Permit?

Not necessarily. A permit may not be required for the following:

Routine maintenance of landscaping and non-native plants located at least 30 feet landward of the dune. Minor modifications, routine maintenance, or repairs to existing structures that remain within the limits of the existing foundation. Maintenance or repair of paved surfaces and pool structures located at least 30 feet landward of the dune, provided they do not discharge or drain onto the beach. Removal of wind-blown sand from paved roads, parking areas, and swimming pools.

    Real World Example: What Happens When You Violate the CCCL?

    The Madeira on Marco Island Condominium Association hired RR Restoration to repair its storm-damaged roof following a major weather event. However, what began as a common roofing project quickly escalated into environmental degradation.

    The image above shows the equipment used to level the dune feature and remove the vegetation in front of the Madeira on Marco Island Condominium Association. Image Source: City of Marco Island News

    Before construction began, the contractor failed to obtain the required FDEP permits to park heavy equipment on the beachfront. As part of the work, crews excavated portions of the frontal dune, constructed a temporary equipment access path using shell material, and removed native dune vegetation without authorization. FDEP initially responded by issuing a reprimand and relatively modest fines, but Madeira had a history of violations. In previous months, Madeira was complicit in two other cases of environmental damage, prompting local officials to collaborate with the FDEP in hopes of pursuing stronger enforcement measures after determining that Madeira appeared to be a repeat offender.

    What is the Cost of Violating the CCCL Program? Depends on the Damage

    The investigation ultimately resulted in FDEP ordering Madeira and RR Restoration to pay a combined $15,500 in fines for damaging protected coastal dunes and removing native vegetation without the required permits. Madeira was ordered to pay $8,000, while RR Restoration was assessed a $7,500 penalty.

    The financial penalties, however, represented a small fraction of the total cost. The condominium association was required to restore the damaged dune system within 180 days. The restoration plan required the placement of 1,500 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand and the installation of 1,748 native dune plants to stabilize the restored area. The project also carried strict performance standards, requiring at least an 80% plant survival rate after one year. FDEP further warned that failure to meet the restoration deadlines could result in additional penalties of $250 per day, with potential civil fines reaching as much as $10,000 per day with any delays.

    The image above shows how much dune and vegetation were excavated in comparison to the neighboring property. Photo by Maria Lamb for Coastal Breeze News

    Based on Dune Doctors’ experience with projects of similar scope, we estimate that the required dune restoration cost for Madeira was likely between $300,000 and $500,000, as beach-compatible sand is difficult to source. This case helps magnify how overlooking the CCCL’s permitting requirements can expose both property owners and contractors to substantial financial liability, loss of reputation with regulatory agencies, and costly restoration projects. In response to the FDEP’s intervention, Madeira has implemented a policy requiring its management to verify that contractors obtain all necessary permits before beginning future projects.

    How Effective is the CCCL Regulation?

    While regulations do not always achieve their intended objectives, the CCCL program has demonstrated its effectiveness. The program was implemented on June 28, 1989, under the Florida Beach and Shore Preservation Act (Chapter 161, Florida Statutes), and its success became evident just six years later when Hurricane Opal struck the Florida Panhandle in 1995. Hurricane Opal caused catastrophic damage to coastal communities, affecting 1,992 major habitable structures built prior to the CCCL and destroying 768 of them, or a whopping 40%. However, by then, 576 homes had been constructed in compliance with CCCL standards. Of these homes, only two were destroyed, or simply 3%. Through its effective implementation of safety standards and the FDEP’s willingness to collaborate with property owners, the CCCL serves as a critical pillar of Florida’s coastal communities.

    How Can You Stay Out of Trouble with the FDEP?

    As part of our continuing education program about the CCCL, Dune Doctors shares four critical steps to stay out of trouble. We have set these standards as a way of vetting coastal contractors that work on your property.

    • Can they identify where the CCCL intersects your property?
    • Do they know the local, state, and federal regulations impacting the project?
    • Do they have a working relationship with regulating authorities?
    • Can they provide you with a copy of their permits?

    While no project can be completely risk-free, involving the FDEP early in the planning process is one of the most effective ways to avoid costly issues later. If you have any questions about your proposed work or are unsure whether permits are required, contact the FDEP before moving forward. If you’re having trouble reaching the appropriate staff or navigating the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re happy to help facilitate communication and guide you in the right direction.

    International Coastal Cleanup Day in Destin, Florida!

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    On September 16th, volunteers from Dune Doctors gathered at Norriego Point, a sandy peninsula surrounded by the brackish waters (where salty and fresh water mix) of the Destin Pass. Norriego Point, nominated one of the best restored beaches in 2020 by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, sits where the Choctawhatchee Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, a biodiverse hotspot that gave rise to Destin being known as The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. “We selected this location because there was a low volunteer count and Norriego Point catches the debris that floats down from Crab Island’s party scene” said Shabastin Schumpert, a Field Project Leader at Dune Doctors.

    From left to right: Isabelle, Carrie, Abby, Jayla, Nick, Larry, Keith, Amanda, Vera, and Bankston

    Joining An International Effort for Healthier Waters

    The team volunteered their Saturday morning (and a birthday) to be part of a global operation called International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICC Day). Ongoing for 35 years, ICC Day has rallied 17 million volunteers who have collectively removed more than 350 million+ pounds of trash, equal in weight to roughly 10,000 garbage collection trucks or 43,000 adult Orcas, from our waterways and coastline. ICC day is an initiative led by the Ocean Conservancy, a marine advocacy group that seeks to promote healthy ocean ecosystems and prevent threats to oceanic and human life.

    Cleaning Up Norriego Point, a Peninsula in Destin, FL

    “It’s such a joy to be out here today, knowing there are hundreds of thousands of coastal stewards across the world coming together to clean up the coastline. Tomorrow, our marine life, dunes, beaches, and water will breathe a little easier” said Bankston Roberts, Dune Doctors’ Client Success and Sales Manager, pictured above with his niece. Behind them is the Destin harbor, a lively tourist destination that towers over the sandy beach. But, don’t let size fool you. When destructive waves reach the area, Norriego’s jetties help break the waves, dissipating their energy which lessens the risk of damage to the fishing village.

    Aside from breaking waves, the jetties also trap debris. Above, Larry, Dune Doctors’ longest standing Dune Technician, worked with Isabelle to find plastic wedged among the jetty’s rocks. When asked what she hoped everyone could know about plastic pollution, Isabelle said “how we make and use plastic on land will help determine the future of our oceans. I know most people don’t mean for their plastic to end up in the water, so it is important to keep working together to clean up all the trash!”

    Taking Care of our Coastal and Marine Wildlife

    After the team finished collecting trash, they came together to build a sea turtle with scraps of plastic. Snack bags, Styrofoam cups, aluminum cans, bottle caps, and plastic fencing colored in the turtle’s body, a grim reminder that our marine life can’t distinguish food from plastic. Shortly after, the team spotted a juvenile green sea turtle, roughly the same size as the mosaic, searching for food among the rocks. “Seeing the turtle makes my Birthday special” said Keith Pannell a Dune Technician, “I’m so happy we can give back to our wildlife today and everyday that we come to work.”

    The juvenile Green Sea Turtle nibbled on algae growing on the jetty’s rocks.

    Dune Doctors Promotes Coastal Stewardship

    Volunteering is central to Dune Doctors’ mission to promote stewardship of coastal ecosystems. Through education, outreach, and community engagement Dune Doctors works to encourage people to regard the natural coastal environment as a valuable asset. In addition to these efforts, Dune Doctors works year-round to design and implement coastal erosion and preservation solutions that initiate and strengthen protective dune systems along private, commercial, and government properties that line the Gulf of Mexico. To speak with our Coastal Restoration Experts, you can dial 866-386-3737 or reach us directly through our contact us form.

    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 hands-on dune 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.