North Myrtle Beach Community Collaborates to Construct Living Shoreline
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – HERE News Network: A community-led initiative to create a living shoreline has been successfully executed in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Lead by the City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department, Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and local community members, the project took place at the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve on Thursday.
Creating A Natural and Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
Volunteers worked rigorously to position 182 manufactured wire reefs along the shoreline at the newly constructed bulkhead. These wire reefs were strategically placed to create a habitable environment for oysters. Once established, these oysters will play a crucial role in capturing water-borne sediment resulting in the formation of a resilient natural shoreline that can resist erosion.
Jim Grainger, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, proudly stated, “It’s just amazing to witness these volunteers contribute their time and energy towards this environmental project. The commitment shown towards the environment not only strengthens our sense of community but also fosters relationship building among participants.”
Attributing the event’s success to community collaboration, Grainger thanked Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful for pooling their volunteer base with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Future Plans for the Shoreline
In the later part of this month and the beginning of next, the Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful have plans to plant approximately 6,000 native plants. These plants will work symbiotically with the newly established oyster colonies to root and fill in sediment.
The City of North Myrtle Beach and the SCDNR will continue to monitor the new living shoreline and its progress. Community members interested in actively participating in this ongoing effort can get more information by reaching out to the designated contact sources.
Community Collaboration Fuels Environmental Conservation
This expansive community collaboration highlights the power of unity in bringing environmental conservation efforts to life. These community-led initiatives not only support local ecology but also foster the sense of togetherness among community members. As North Myrtle Beach continues to spearhead such projects, it sets a benchmark for other cities to engage local communities in environmental conservation endeavors.
Author: HERE News
Source: HERE News Network
