In 1995 two major hurricanes impacted the Northwest Florida coast. Since these
storms, local home and condominium owners, county governments and contractors
have attempted dune restoration. University of Florida research in the Florida
Panhandle found combinations of sand fence and plants to be effective in the
secondary dune position. However, limitations restrict the use of sand fence
in the frontal dune position and create the need for restoration without sand
fence. Most projects with plantings rely almost exclusively on sea oats. In
order to promote plant diversity and wildlife habitat; residents, contractors
and local officials need to be exposed to the benefits of using more than one
plant species. This is evident as 100% of calls to the Santa Rosa County extension
office concerning dune plantings involve customers wanting information on how
to plant only sea oats.
Facilitation between species in composite plantings may increase transplant
survival, rate of dune growth and diversity of plants available for wildlife.
Gulf Bluestem (Schizachyrium maritimum), Bitter Panic grass (Panicum amarum),
Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata), and Beach Elder (Iva imbricata) are 4 western
Gulf coast species commonly found in the frontal dune zone of barrier islands.
Interaction among these 4 coastal dune species is not well understood. However,
facilitation among Chamaecrista chameacristoides and two late colonizer grasses,
(Schizachyrium scoparium and Trachypogon plumosus) in tropical dune systems
along the SE coast of the Gulf of Mexico has been documented. We hypothesize
that composite plantings of Gulf Bluestem, Bitter Panic grass; Sea Oats and
Beach Elder may facilitate dune formation in a frontal dune zone in the absence
of fences.
Investigating facilitation between these species in a public research/restoration
site would increase exposure to the use of a diversity of plants for dune rebuilding.
An additional objective is to increase coastal awareness and stewardship, which
will be accomplished through an educational kiosk at the site and a brochure.
In addition, a traveling program will be produced for use at homeowner association,
civic organizations, planning board meetings and coastal workshops. The program
would include samples of recommended plant and a "how to" slide show. In addition,
a pre and post survey would be used at these meetings to gage increased knowledge
about plant diversity in dune restoration.
Hypothesis:
1. Composite plantings of Gulf Bluestem, Bitter Panic grass, Sea Oats and Beach
Elder may facilitate dune formation in a frontal dune zone in the absence of
fencing.
2. Exposure to restoration information will lead to increased use of diverse
plant species for dune rebuilding.
3. Education and outreach programs will lead to increased public coastal awareness
and stewardship. |
