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District highlights living-shoreline planting project with Shell, Danos and Natrix volunteers
Summary
Board members heard about a living-shoreline marsh-planting project: volunteers planted 800 smooth cordgrass plugs behind recently installed exoform protection units; staff said the combined structure-vegetation approach protects the toe of the levee while enhancing habitat and sediment retention.
District staff and project partners briefed the board on a coastal-restoration pilot that combined manufactured exoforms with marsh vegetation planting. According to the report, volunteers from Shell, Danos, Restore Retreat and product developer Natrix planted 800 plugs of smooth cordgrass on the marsh apron behind recently installed protection units. A presenter explained that the exoforms attract marine life and the planted vegetation will retain sediment and promote root growth that stabilizes the marsh and supports the levee toe.
Speakers said the living-shoreline approach is an environmentally focused alternative to vinyl sheet pile and noted benefits for habitat, fisheries and long-term erosion control. Staff highlighted volunteer involvement, video documentation by Natrix, and the potential to expand similar partnerships to reduce reliance on more disruptive hard armor. The board welcomed the update and encouraged continued partnerships with private and nonprofit groups to deploy living-shoreline techniques.
No formal vote was required for the update; staff will continue to coordinate follow-on plantings and monitor vegetative establishment.
