Mangroves provide essential habitat for shrimp, crab, fish, wading birds and help protect the shoreline from erosion due to waves and tropical storms. In addition, mangroves improve water quality by trapping sediments, nutrients and pollutants thereby removing them from the water column. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation has been collecting and planting red mangroves as part of a project which began 12 years ago.
Volunteers are still needed to help plant mangroves Aug. 31 and Sept. 1,7,8 in Clam Bayou on Sanibel Island, which means paddling to restoration sites. Kayaks are recommended and pre-registration is required. Call 239-395-4617 or email marinelab@sccf.org to register as a volunteer.
