Restore Our Shore transformed 200 feet of washed-out shoreline in Titusville.

Restore Our Shores has wrapped up planting a living shoreline in Scobie Park in Titusville, transforming 200 feet of washed-out shoreline into a thriving, natural landscape. These important man-made shorelines are built with natural materials and reinstate native plant populations to help stabilize the shoreline, reduce erosion, buffer against storm surge and improve water quality. Scobie Park’s once litter-filled shore is now booming with native plants, and plenty of pollinators, shorebirds and small mammals are already utilizing the area.  

The main goals of this project, made possible by funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP), are to increase fish habitat, measurably reduce erosion, address water quality issues and decrease pollutant buildup in the Indian River Lagoon. 

Living shorelines are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to habitat restoration. They are an economical method of coastal management that visually enhances the landscape with low-maintenance green space that benefits both people and the environment.   

At Scobie Park, sand cord grass and smooth cord grass was added in to help stabilize the shoreline. Sunshine mimosa, a crawling plant, is great for ground cover and is a favorite of pollinators. And, of course, red mangroves were planted to add marine habitat, aid against erosion and act as a carbon sink. The Indian River Lagoon has lost an estimated three-quarters of its mangrove forests due to urban development and other human impacts, so we are extra proud to help reinstate these important plants.  

Our team will continue to monitor the living shoreline until September 2027. They’ll keep track of which plants survive and file away data on if the shoreline is reaching its restoration goals.  

We would also like to thank Lockheed Martin and their employee volunteers for their support of this project. Continued community support makes our transformational work possible. If you’d like to volunteer with us, or support our efforts in other ways, head to restoreourshores.org to get started.  

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.