Riverview High Celebrates Shoreline Restoration

Riverview High School (RHS) recently restored mangroves and other native plants along part of their 1500-foot shoreline on Phillippi Creek. Invasive trees from Asia—seaside mahoes—were replaced by mangroves and other native plants that will provide shelter for snook, nesting birds and an abundance of other wildlife.

On October 29, 2015, RHS celebrated the completion of this project by inviting their many partners to gather at the site. The crowd included teachers, students, administrators, parents, and neighbors from the watershed including South Gate, the Florida House Institute, Sarasota County staff and others. Funding came from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

Riverview High continues to be at the forefront of environmental stewardship. In addition to the new shoreline—with educational signage—guests also toured the native plants trail and the aquaculture facility (“Aquadome”). Juvenile snook being raised at the facility will be released into North Creek by Mote Marine Laboratory scientists in April of next year.

Tidal creeks are extremely fertile places that convert nutrients into a cornucopia of marine life such as crabs, oysters and fish. Conversely, creeks without natural habitats are prone to undesirable algae blooms. Phillippi Creek is the largest tidal creek in Sarasota with a watershed area of 55 square miles. Restoration work like what is being done by Riverview High School helps to ensure the long-term productivity of this important waterbody.