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Mangrove Re-habitation

Upcoming mangrove events along the IRL 

Propagule collection 2001  

From August 25th until October 27th 2001 we will be sponsoring a Red Mangrove Propagule collection contest. This contest will be open to any school throughout the Brevard County area. The winning class will win a pizza party paid for by Indian River Adventures and a $$$ cash prize to be posted in September. The cash prize will be awarded by CCA- Orlando from the proceeds from their  Second-Annual Redfish/Trout Fishing Tournament.  If your class would like to be involved in this contest, please contact me at captdoug@indianriver.cc . All propagules collected will be planted along the IRL on public land as part of our ongoing efforts to reestablish the mangrove population.

All propagules should be collected along the beaches and not out of the river. There a laws that protect mangrove propagules in the river.

If You would like to contribute to the cash prize for the winning school or become a sponsor of any of these events please call (321)432-9470

Why plant mangroves

The Red mangrove, (Rhizophora mangle) is one of Florida’s most vital  native trees. They create homes in their roots for as many as 10,000 fish during their 20+ lifetime. While in their branches they provide a home for many endangered bird species. In addition to providing a home in their roots, the leaves of the red mangrove play an important part in the nutrient cycles of the lagoon. Within 36 hours of  a mangrove leaf falling into the water, it becomes part of the food chain where microscopic sea creatures feed on them. Some of  the nutrients for these trees have even been found as far out as the Atlantic coral reefs. If you would like more information about mangroves check out my mangrove picture page 

Along Florida's Space Coast less than 1/3rd of the mangroves that once grew here remain. Fortunately with the new laws that have been put in place by the FDEP these trees are now protected and their numbers are starting to grow. However for their numbers to reach what they once were it will take a little help from us.

Past mangrove events

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