Recently, the USACE Jacksonville District teamed up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to tackle invasive species and plant dune vegetation near Hanna Park, as part of the Duval County Shore Protection Project.
Jacksonville District Invasive Species Biologist, Jessica Spencer, was joined at Hanna Park by the Chief of the Waterways Branch, Will Reilly, Deputy Commander, Maj. Matt Westcott and a host of volunteers from the Jacksonville Jaguars front office to concurrently remove a particularly pesky succulent while planting sea oats and bitter panic grasses to support dune stability and fortification to protect the shorelines and upland infrastructure of Duval County at Neptune, Atlantic and Jacksonville Beaches.
“Working with the Jags was such a positive collaboration,” said Spencer. “Their enthusiasm and desire to get outside and make a positive impact was very encouraging; We were able to share a lot of good information about the native dune vegetation that protects our shorelines and the invasive plants that put them at risk.”
The team’s effort saw about 1,700 new sea oats and panic grasses planted and over 200 pounds of invasive Kalanchoe removed, creating a healthier habitat that allows native flora and fauna to thrive. Kalanchoe or “Mother of Millions” is a common horticulture plant that has escaped from people’s yards and gardens and is impacting Florida’s natural areas, especially at the beaches.
The dune vegetation helps stabilize the dune by anchoring the sand in place with the extensive deep root system, also trapping windblown sand to help build the dune.
“Not only does native dune vegetation play an important role in the stability and resiliency of the dune, it also provides essential environmental habitat for species such as nesting shorebirds,” noted Reilly. “Removal of invasive species vegetation is important because their shallow root system is much less effective at stabilizing the dune and they crowd out the deep-rooted native species”.
“Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District opened new pathways and initiatives for the Jacksonville Jaguars to get into the community through meaningful and impactful work,” said Madison Saul, Communications and Events Manager for the team. T-Neisha Tate, the Jaguars’ Vice President of Social Responsibility echoed the sentiment: “The Jaguars are relentlessly committed to building a better Jacksonville year-round, and this project allowed us to create a lasting impact, promoting healthier beaches for all to enjoy”!
The goal of the Duval County Shore Protection Project is to reduce risk and promote coastal resilience. Shore projects help to reduce the damages – economic, environmental, infrastructure, human health and safety – of tropical storms and hurricanes. Thousands of residents and businesses in Duval County benefit from this effort, with storm events eroding the beach rather than destroying coastal infrastructure.
The Jacksonville District and the Jacksonville Jaguars are writing the playbook on partnership, and look forward to continuing to keep Duuuuval sustainable, healthy and beautiful, well into the future!