Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By Kelly Richardson
On Saturday, February 11, Cocoa Beach Surfrider held a sea oat-planting event on the beach at Minutemen, 2nd St. S. and 3rd St. S.
The City of Cocoa Beach purchased 768 sea oats and teamed with Surfrider volunteers to get them planted into areas that needed them most.
This has been an annual event since 2005, and our efforts have definitely paid off! The area around Minutemen has experienced improved plant growth and dune buildup thanks to constant monitoring by dedicated volunteers.
Sea oats are a very important part of the local dune system. Not only do these plants help to build up the dunes, thus preserving our shoreline and protecting property, but they also provide food and shelter for a wide range of creatures such as birds, crabs, and turtles. Sea oats also help to keep sand on the beach and not on the curbs or in storm drains. Once an area of sea oats has been planted, it is roped off with stakes and signs to let beachgoers know that the area is now protected by Florida law.
Sea oat planting is one of the many ways folks can get involved with Surfrider.
Here’s a list of some of our upcoming activities:
March 17: Rip Pics Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup, 9 a.m., Lori Wilson Park
March 20: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista
April 6-8: Easter Surf Contest, 9 a.m. (Surfrider tent location TBD)
April 17: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista
April 20: Beach Cleanup, 9 a.m., 2nd St. S. – 4th St. S.
Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, kayak, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there!