The problem
The problemHabitat loss is a huge problem along the Gulf on Mexico coast. Many groups are attempting to address habitat loss via restoration. Restored habitats include marshes, oyster and coral reefs, and dunes. However, restoration requires access to the plants and animals that form the bases of these habitats. Unfortunately, this usually means organisms are either taken from natural areas or grown in nursery settings and acquired at a significant cost. Both of these approaches are undesirable because of potential impacts to wild places or added cost. As living shorelines gain popularity, there will be increasing demand for plant material.
Enter the donor marsh
Enter the donor marshA donor marsh is an artificial wetland maintained for the purpose of supplying plants to habitat restoration projects. A donor marsh is a great way to lessen pressure on natural marshes. It has the added benefit of reducing the cost of plant material for marsh restoration. Donor marshes can also have side benefits such as helping treat effluent from aquaculture or greenhouse facilities or capturing and storing carbon.
In March and April 2018, we worked with a group of 21 volunteers, 3 UF faculty, and 3 Duke staff to establish a donor marsh at the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River. During two events, volunteers planted ~2,650 shoots of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cord grass) and ~1,700 shoots of S. patens (salt meadow cord grass) in a pond that was previously used to raise fish. These plants will grow and fill in over time, creating new plants that can be transplanted to local shorelines. The hope is that the donor marsh will remove some of the barriers to marsh habitat restoration by making plant material cheaper and more readily available. Much of the starter plant material was donated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Stock Enhancement Research Facility in Port Manatee, FL.
Going forward, UF faculty, interns, and graduate students will be monitoring the marsh’s progress. Staff at the Duke Energy Mariculture Center will maintain the marsh by flooding it with salt water periodically. The donor marsh project would not be possible without the help of Duke Energy staff and the dedication of the pond facilities to the project. Soon, marsh plants reared in this facility could be coming to a shoreline near you!
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Comments:
October 21, 2021
Major thankies for the blog post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
October 5, 2021
Really enjoyed this blog post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
October 5, 2021
Really enjoyed this blog post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
July 11, 2019
Follow our Facebook to be notified about volunteer opportunities: https://www.facebook.com/ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu
July 11, 2019
Hello mam ! I want to do volantier with you in marine biology field! Plz reply me.
September 4, 2018
Great information. Thank you.
April 26, 2018
Absolutely! Programs to assist with down payment and closing costs vary depending on where the person is looking to purchase. Potential home owners can contact the housing services agency to learn what programs might be available.
April 26, 2018
In addition to the downpayment, total out-of-pocket costs to buy a home can easily run 6% to 8% of the purchase price, factoring in things like prepaying for a homeowners insurance policy and funding escrow accounts for taxes and more. That said, there are state-backed programs that can provide assistance to potential homebuyers with downpayment and funds for closing costs. These typically come in the form of low- or no-interest second mortgage loans but sometimes in the form of outright, no repayment grants, and may cover some or all of the up-front costs needed to purchase a home. Regardless, good financial habits are key to successful homeownership. The ability to save, budget and plan for future expenses are needed skills, and the homebuyer education courses that often accompany these offers are a great place to start.
March 8, 2018
Thank you! As a financial counselor I have been working on trying to get everyone in my county to have an emergency fund of at least $500.00. Start small, but dream big. Sarah
March 7, 2018
Wonderful web site. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your sweat!
February 19, 2018
This actually answered my drawback, thank you!
February 18, 2018
Excellent, this subject is so important and can change the world if corrected. I’m an ex-banker and current financial advisor. My passion is to help people understand saving for retirement. Keep up the great work! Garry
February 4, 2018
This is not a common disease in sabal palms, and it is most likely to occur on recently transplanted sabal palms because some degree of trunk wounding typically occurs during handling.
January 31, 2018
Palm trees grown in the landscape appear carefree, but they are susceptible to many diseases, insects and nutritional problems. Avoid many of these problems by following the recommended cultural practices that help keep plants healthy and vigorous. More information on how to grow outdoor palms successfully is provided in HGIC 1019,
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