ADOPT-A-MANGROVE PROGRAM
CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Zachary Eichholz, Sustainability Manager, City of Cape Canaveral
In March 2020 the City of Cape Canaveral established the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program to provide interested property owners with the opportunity to “adopt” Mangroves. This is a voluntary program that will assist with the planting and care of these important plants, which serve a critical role in the health and well-being of the Indian and Banana River Lagoon systems. Rules and guidelines must be met and followed by interested Mangrove “Adopters” who wish to partake in this volunteer community outreach initiative before planting on one’s property can begin. These guidelines are meant to ensure resident safety, City code and state compliance and local environmental well-being. Not meeting any one of the following can result in the refusal of participation by City Staff. Please read the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program Guide for further information. Only those with properties that directly border the lagoon or a waterway connected to the lagoon are eligible for this program.
Mangroves are a critical aspect of Florida’s marine ecosystems. Sometimes called the “kidneys of the coast,” Mangroves filter the water they are situated in and can maintain water quality that helps coral reefs and near shore seagrasses grow. Due to their dense root structures, Mangroves also help to stabilize coastlines by reducing shoreline erosion, decreasing incoming wave energy, minimizing storm surge heights and potentially providing a wind break. These attributes will help to improve the City’s overall resilience against rising sea levels and more frequent tropical cyclone activity. This program falls in line with the City’s goal of planting 300 new Mangroves on its lagoon shoreline within the next five years.
