It is always enjoyable to do a little bit of a good deed. Sometimes it is incredibly educational as well. This was the case with my recent morning planting of sea oats!
On a visit to Amelia Island, Florida, I was privileged to have the opportunity to plan a community service project with a small group. Working with the naturalist at the Ritz-Carlton, we planted sea oats in the sand.
You may wonder what sea oats are and why we would plant them in the sand?
Sea oats or seaside oats is a tall subtropical grass that is an important component of coastal sand dune and beach plant communities.
Its massive root system is capable of holding soil and sand in place during extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms. This plant’s habitat puts it at the forefront of shoreline protection.
And because Amelia Island sand is the breeding ground for sea turtles, planting the sea oats is benefiting them!
Sea oats are so important in Florida that they are protected under regulations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection! The plants cannot even be cut back or removed!
Planting the oats was a pretty simple project, but so enjoyable! Especially knowing we were also helping out the turtles!
Commemorating the activity, I gifted each participant a key chain – (beautifully handmade by Ralph & Martha of Connecticut)!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are inspired to serve your own community in some small way!
Have a great weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
