In celebration of Earth Day, the University of Central Florida’s Biology department invites volunteers to aid in the restoration of the historic shoreline of Mosquito Lagoon on Sunday, April 22.
To help reduce erosion, volunteers will deploy oyster mats and plant mangroves and marsh grass to help the living shoreline stabilization at the Castle Windy Historic Site.
The oyster mat activity is for adults only because of sharp shells. Mats will be deployed from 6:30 to 10 a.m.
Activities later in the day are ideal for all ages, and they include planting and opportunities to view biodiversity tanks and archaeology displays.
National Park Service archaeologists will also be present to teach attendees more about why the Castle Windy shoreline is worth saving. The archaeologists will have a living excavation unit open that day, and volunteers can sign up Sunday to assist with the excavation.
Participants in the shoreline stabilization will be admitted into Canaveral National Seashore for free Sunday. The north entrance provides the easiest access to Castle Windy, which is located approximately three miles into the park.
Parking is available at Area 3. Park rangers will be on hand to assist with parking and directions to the site.
It is recommended that volunteers wear old clothes and closed-toe, hard-soled shoes. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring work gloves, sunscreen, insect repellant, water and lunch. Please leave valuables at home.
For more information contact UCF Biology professor Linda Walters at linda.walters@ucf.edu.