LATEST PROJECTS- WEEKI WACHEE RESTORATION

We are actively planting mangrove seedlings in the Weeki Wachee and Mud River drainages in Hernando County, Florida, and expanding into Pasco County and beyond.

Weeki Wachee

The Weeki Wachee river is located in Hernando county Florida and drains into the Gulf Of Mexico after meeting up with Mud River. An incredibly rich resource yet still in need of a helping hand when it comes to mangrove management. We are actively snorkeling in the clear shallow marshes, acquiring floating seedlings and giving them a helping hand by planting them next to where we find them.  This method of "dive, find, and plant" enables us to log, manage, and track propagule development in real time.

tampa bay and beyond

 Coming soon is our Tampa Bay Program which will involve locating as many "bald" spots along the bay and filling in with mangrove seedlings.

planting propogules while diving the mangrove swamps

Some people say "skin diving;" some people say "snorkeling;" some people say "freediving!" But wherever your head is at all divers should be actively using their skills as swimmers to help with carbon sequestration by planting mangrove seedlings. It's so simple! Don't worry about the alligators, the venomous water moccasins (cottonmouths) or all the bugs. 

Matthew and Alex were inspired by their retired father to create a carbon sequestration program focusing on mangrove restoration and management. As both are Brazilian Americans and have witnessed the environmental degradation in their country they are focusing on a project which is truly worldwide in scope. With Alex's 19 foot Mako powerboat and a ton of grit and determination the young men in the da Silva-Lockie family have planted thousands of mangrove propagules, as well as speared plenty of sheepshead and mullet along the way! Stay tuned here for more updates and information.

OUR GOAL

 Our mangroves are disappearing. Let's go!
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Tampa

As you study mangrove trees you can not help but get inspired! These pesky bushes that so many "rich and famous" want to cut down by their waterfront homes are truly nature's Guardians Of The Planet. Research has shown that mangrove can and do outperform most other forests in their capacity to store carbon. But forests like these can be "Urban" in that they can co-exist near Big Cities. That is what this project is about. Helping to protect vulnerable cities through mangrove planting.

Nature Coast

Another day in this area is truly "another day in paradise." With the kingly rivers of the Withlacochee, Crystal river, Chasshowitska, Homosassa, and Weeki Wachee and all the clean virgin fresh water pouring into the Gulf Of Mexico the Nature Coast should be a World Heritage Site. Mangroves abound here but don't let that fool you. More mangroves are needed to guard against shore erosion as the Nature Coast is in incredibly shallow water. 

International

Since we speak Portuguese and Spanish we are partnering with community groups in Brazil and beyond to create relationships and make this a truly international project,