South Florida is on the front line when it comes to rising seas. In response to the threat in Broward County, South Florida Audubon Society shored up a stretch of their coastline through a Broward County Dune Restoration Project Grant in early March.

“Until we can reverse the warming trend in our atmosphere, sea level will continue to rise and storms will continue to put coastal communities in harm’s way,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director for Audubon Florida.

With an army of 60 volunteers from Florida Power & Light Company’s “Power to Care” program and coordination with The Breakers Condominium, the dunes were reinforced with hundreds of Sea Oats, a native coastal plant with roots that grow six feet deep and stabilize the shoreline. Crossover trails were also installed to protect the plants from being trampled by beachgoers. The beach here will also now provide more resilient habitat for nesting sea turtles.

“We were really happy to work with FPL staff and volunteers on this project,” said Doug Young of SFAS. The project engaged families from the community who have enjoyed this beach over the years and want to make sure their families can also enjoy it in years to come.

Both The Breakers and FPL have adopted a dune.

Community partners participating in the event included Lee Gottlieb, Habitat Restoration Consultant; South Florida Audubon Society members; Juliette Murphy Roulhac, FPL Director for Corporate External Affairs, Broward County, and West Florida, Ben Wesley, FPL External Relations Manager, Broward County; and City of Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin.