The living shoreline restoration project at Project GreenShores Site II in Pensacola Bay aimed to enhance shoreline habitat, mitigate erosion, and promote ecological sustainability by implementing innovative techniques. By constructing breakwaters to reduce wave energy, this project formed reef and salt marsh habitats, covering approximately 6 to 8 acres of salt marsh and 4 acres of reef along the urban shoreline of Pensacola, Florida. The restoration efforts provide critical erosion control and green armoring for this specific area while promoting the overall health of Pensacola Bay.

To complete this project, the Florida Dept. of Env. Protection tasked RES with growing and installing a substantial number of plants. Close to 152,000 plants were custom grown at RES’ Pointe-Aux-Chene nursery, meticulously nurtured to ensure their adaptation to the local saltwater conditions. The plant composition for this restoration included 112,100 salt-hardened Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) plugs and 39,750 Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) 4-inch containers. Our staff carefully selected these species for their ability to thrive in the designated areas and contribute to the restoration goals.

The installation process involved strategic placement of the plant species in their respective habitats. The Black Needlerush was installed within the high marsh mounds, situated at +2-foot NAVD to +1.25-foot NAVD, while the Smooth Cordgrass was installed in the low marsh areas, ranging from +1-foot NAVD to 0.0-feet NAVD. RES utilized specialized equipment to facilitate the vegetative installation, including an 18-foot deck-over airboat and a 30-foot Carolina Skiff. This machinery was chosen for its maneuverability and efficiency in navigating the waterways and ensuring precise planting.

Within a commendable 10-day period, RES completed the entire planting process, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of our team. To ensure proper documentation and quality control, all final plant materials were recorded using drone footage, capturing the transformed shoreline comprehensively. These records were then reviewed and approved by the project engineer, attesting to the successful implementation of the restoration project.

The living shoreline restoration project at Project GreenShores Site II is a testament to the commitment of RES and its partners to environmental preservation. It highlights the significance of collaborative efforts in creating sustainable and resilient ecosystems. The completed project will not only provide crucial shoreline protection but also foster diverse habitats, contributing to the overall health and ecological balance of Pensacola Bay.