Growing a Greener, Stronger Coastline
Seatrees has partnered with Coastlove to launch a dedicated mangrove nursery project in the Florida Keys - an area facing immense ecological pressure from storms, development, and sea level rise. Located at the Plant a Million Corals Foundation compound in Summerland Key, this nursery will cultivate 5,500 native mangrove propagules, which will be distributed to local community groups for outplanting across restoration sites throughout the Lower Keys.
This project addresses the urgent need for bold, local action to restore vital coastal ecosystems - specifically mangrove forests, which provide habitat for wildlife, protect shorelines, filter water, and store carbon.
Why Mangroves Matter Here
South Florida is home to a mosaic of coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, dunes, wetlands, and tropical hardwood hammocks - many of which are under threat from hurricanes, sea level rise, and unchecked development.
Mangroves are nature’s frontline defenders. These trees filter runoff, store carbon, buffer storm surge, and protect Florida’s last wild coastlines.
Mangroves serve as nurseries for marine life and critical habitat for endangered and endemic species, including:
Florida Key Deer
Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit
Miami Blue Butterfly
Sea Turtles (nesting)
White-Crowned Pigeon
Various shorebirds and reef fish
This project also directly supports the third-largest coral reef tract in the world (just offshore) and helps protect it from land-based pollution and erosion.
Rooted in Community, Powered by Inclusion
This project is fueled by local hands and hearts. Coastlove’s approach centers the people who live, work, and play in these ecosystems, offering hands-on education and restoration opportunities that build a sense of ownership and pride.
Community members of all ages are invited to:
- Collect propagules from native mangrove trees
- Care for saplings at the nursery as volunteers
- Attend planting days at local restoration sites
- Join workshops on climate adaptation, ecology, and coastal resilience
These activities are open to students, families, teachers, veterans, and anyone passionate about protecting their backyard.
The project specifically focuses on engaging youth, underrepresented communities, and residents with limited access to green spaces or environmental education. Through partnerships with local schools, community centers, and nonprofits, Coastlove is building inclusive pathways into environmental restoration and career exploration in the blue economy.
This effort also provides paid volunteer stipends to help remove barriers to participation and recognize the time and energy of those caring for the nursery.
Project Impacts
Seatrees will be supporting the cultivation of 5,500 mangroves at the Summerland Key nursery, to be then distributed to vetted restoration sites across the Lower Keys
By supporting this project, your donation will be used for:
- Expanding nursery infrastructure
- Supplies: pots, soil, beds, education materials
- Stipends for two nursery maintenance volunteers
- Staff oversight and event planning
All trees are grown locally in the Florida Keys, removing barriers like shipping costs and mismatched genetics—ensuring restoration success from root to canopy.
Coastlove
CoastLove is a nonprofit organization passionately dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of coastal environments. Their mission is to advocate for the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems, fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate balance between land and sea. Through community engagement, education, and proactive conservation initiatives, CoastLove strives to empower individuals to become stewards of our coastlines.