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Deadman's Island planting set Saturday There will be a planting on Deadman's Island on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon to help stabilize the sand on the north end of the Gulf Breeze barrier island. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike have repositioned sand on and near the island, and vegetation must be planted to prevent further erosion. "Right now, the new sand is loose and susceptible to wash out if we don't stabilize the area right away," said Heather Reed, Project Manager for the Deadmans' Island Restoration Project. "Some of it has been repositioned where we need it in some areas, but some has been taken away from other areas," Reed added. "If we can get the emergent vegetation planted as soon as possible, we can keep some of the areas from eroding further." Reed organized the planting and encourages all interested in helping out to volunteer, especially those who own boats. "I could use as many boats as possible to transport volunteers from Gulf Breeze boat ramp to Deadman's Island," Reed said. "If you can volunteer, please call 346-2073." Reed added this would also be a great opportunity for students of any school or organization to earn community service hours. For more information about the Deadman's Island Restoration Project, visit www.deadmansisland.br33z3.com. The first phase of International Coastal Cleanup, the world's largest one-day volunteer effort, will be Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to noon as volunteers scour shorelines around the globe removing and documenting marine debris. Gulf Islands National Seashore will be cleaning the Naval Live Oaks area on the Gulf Breeze peninsula, the coast at Fort Pickens gate at Pensacola Beach, and Johnson Beach on Perdido Key. A similar event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, for Gulf Breeze coastal locations. "I am extending an invitation to all to join us in making our beaches not just more beautiful, but safer for humans and wildlife," said Michael Aymond, a park ranger and naturalist with the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. Data collected during past coastal cleanups has been instrumental in the passage of anti-ocean dumping legislation. "Bring some sunscreen, water and closed-toed shoes (gloves and bags provided) and join us as we attempt to turn the tide on marine debris," Aymond said. For more information, call 934-2634. |
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