Planting for Protection

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.

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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.

            Planting for Protection with Indigo Condominiums

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            On May 27th, 2021, Dune Doctors and Indigo Condominiums hosted a Planting for Protection event in Perdido Beach, Florida. Over fifty coastal stewards of all ages participated in the installation of dune-stabilizing, native vegetation. Planting for Protection is Dune Doctors’ educational initiative and is designed to educate children and the general public in the importance of coastal resiliency. Working with local schools, organizations, and communities to conduct these unique, hands-on experiences in the dune ecosystem, Dune Doctors encourages participants to develop a personal stake in the environment and a sense of ownership over the dune’s well-being. Dune Doctors’ CEO Frederique Beroset commented, “After a child has planted a sea oat on a dune and understands how the plant helps protect against erosion, they are significantly less likely to walk through the fragile ecosystem and are empowered to educate others.” A total of 180 plants were installed by the participants in one hour.

            Planting for Protection with Fabien Cousteau and the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station

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            A Day for the Dunes

            On September 28th, a group of roughly 500 community members and volunteers came together to plant sea oats on a vulnerable section of Navarre Beach dunes. Over time, the public had cleared a foot pathway to the beach, and we were given the opportunity to plant over this trail and on the landward side of the dunes. In partnership with the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station and the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center, we organized A Day for the Dunes an educational event about the importance of protecting our coastal ecosystems.

            In addition to sea oats planting, the event had educational stations hosted by local organizations and schools. Gulf Breeze High School, Navarre Beach Lifeguards, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue, UP Divers, Pensacola Beach Elementary School and the Rotary Club of Navarre each directed a station and offered interactive activities to teach the public about the coastal ecosystem. Attendees who registered were given the opportunity to participate in Planting for Protection and help us install sea oats. Together with the outstanding students from the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station we taught the public how to plant sea oats and installed a grand total of 1,350 sea oats in a two-hour time span.

            What is Planting for Protection?

            Planting for Protection is our hands-on educational initiative designed to teach kids (and the general public) about the importance of coastal resiliency. Native sea oats are planted by participants under the guidance of mentors trained by Dune Doctors. For each event, we collaborate with teens who are passionate about the environment and show them how to install sea oats. The teens we train then mentor the little ones, and we observe a double positive. The kids get to plant sea oats on the dunes and by doing so take ownership of an environment they were not previously that aware of or familiar with. On the other hand, we have young adult mentors who are given a platform to share their passion for the environment with a young audience that embraces what they have to say. Everyone walks away feeling proud of their accomplishments and energized to educate loved ones and friends that could not attend.

            Special Words from Fabien Cousteau

            Fabien Cousteau, famed oceanographic explorer and conservationist, made a special appearance at this past event. Fabien has dedicated his career to educating society on the importance of protecting our oceans and is currently working to expand his educational non-profit the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center. The first grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Fabien embarked on an underwater expedition that lasted 31 days and live-broadcasted the journey for the whole world to see. As beaches are often the connection between ocean and land, protecting the health of our coastal ecosystems is vital to minimizing the amount of trash and debris that ends up in the water. Fabien urges everyone to pick-up trash left behind on the beaches and to embrace environmentally-conscious lifestyle changes such as avoiding single-use plastic.

            Fabien Cousteau teaching a child how to plant a sea oat

                “A Day for the Dunes is extraordinarily important for many reasons, its a sense of community. Its a sense of empowerment. Its a sense of doing good for our aquatic life the ecosystem that supports all life on this planet. It’s very important for kids to be empowered to make change happen and to make sure that their parents and their communities are helping them make that change.” 

            Fabien Cousteau 

            Our goal is to educate the next generation of coastal stewards who are joining in the fight in protecting our coastlines from erosion. We look forward to a new year full of Planting for Protection events. If you would like to implement a similar event with your community, email us at info(@) dunedoctors.com or call us at 866-386-3737.

            “When you give a child a plant to put in the ground you give them ownership of a portion of that dune. After planting, they will be much more considerate of that environment once they hold a stake in it.” 

            Frederique Beroset, MBA & M.S. Biology