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Climate Action Program

 

 

Space Coast: Restoring Dunes for a Resilient Coast

As the Surfrider Foundation’s Space Coast Chapter, we are proud to be part of Surfrider’s Climate Action Program - a national effort to restore coastal ecosystems that help communities adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change. Right here on the Space Coast, we’ve embraced this mission by restoring native dune habitats to strengthen our shoreline, support biodiversity, and bring people together to care for the places we love.

A Nature-Based Approach

Climate change is unleashing a range of devastating consequences, from rising seas to increasingly intense storms to the loss of habitat and wildlife. Through our Climate Action Program we are taking meaningful steps towards mitigating and adapting to these impacts through nature-based solutions.

Nature-based solutions harness the power of nature to address environmental challenges and benefit people and nature. This includes the conservation and restoration of carbon-storing blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, as well as coastal dunes.

 

 

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The Climate Action Program supports Surfrider’s powerful activist network to lead restoration and other nature-based solution projects in their communities. Our goal is to help build a strong and resilient coastal ecosystem that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate, and to engage and empower individuals and communities to take action in support of this important goal.

Check out this resource for a current list of federal funding opportunities to advance coastal resilience priorities!

Stay tuned for additional resources for the new Climate Action Program! 

For questions or more information:
Carla Avila-Martinez, Climate Action Program Manager

 

Our local efforts: 

Over the past few years, we’ve made major progress in restoring our dunes. Each restoration event is an opportunity to not only protect our coast, but also to educate, empower, and connect with the amazing people who care about it. Our work is about enhancing coastal resilience. By restoring the dunes, we’re strengthening the natural defenses that help safeguard our coast from storms, sea level rise, and erosion.

Our dune plantings typically occur between January - March. 

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Volunteers
350+ Volunteers engaged in hands-on restoration

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Protect
More than 5 acres of dune habitat restored

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Restore
Over 28,000+ native plants installed 

Why Healthy Dunes Matter

Healthy dunes play a vital role in protecting people, wildlife, and infrastructure. They

  • Protect communities from storm surge and flooding
  • Trap and stabilize sand using deep-rooted native plants like sea oats
  • Create habitat for birds, pollinators, and other coastal wildlife
  • Help maintain access to recreational beach areas

Coastal dunes are one of nature’s most powerful defenses against the impacts from climate change. As sea levels rise and storms become more intense, restoring these systems becomes more urgent and more valuable. Native plants like sea oats, beach elder, spartina patens, panic grass, sea purslane, and beach morning glory play a critical role. Their deep roots help anchor the dunes in place, while their foliage slows wind and water, helping dunes grow stronger over time.

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Fighting Climate Change with Nature

The fight to protect our ocean is taking on a new urgency. Everyday, our network is experiencing how extreme weather is changing local shorelines. Sandy beaches are being lost, infrastructure is crumbling into the ocean – exacerbating pollution problems – and vital coastal ecosystems are threatened by stronger storms and rising seas. U.S. scientists estimate that about 50% to 70% of our coastlines are at high risk for ‘beach loss’ due to sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, nature is capable of providing a new path forward – powerful nature-based solutions to help mitigate the effects of climate change on our coasts.

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Join us!

Everything we’ve accomplished has been made possible by dedicated volunteers, students, families, and neighbors who care about the future of our coast. We are continuing to grow this effort as part of Surfrider’s Climate Action Program, and we welcome everyone who wants to be a part of it. Whether you want to dig in at an event, support with a donation, or just learn more, there’s a role for you in protecting and restoring the Space Coast.

  • Volunteer at an upcoming restoration
  • Follow us on social media for updates and events
  • Donate to support plant purchases, tools, and outreach

Every plant we add to the dunes helps build a healthier, more resilient coast. We’re protecting what we love about the Space Coast and ensuring it stays healthy and beautiful for generations to come.



For questions about Space Coast's Climate Action Program please contact:
chair@spacecoast.surfrider.org

Our chapter is also supporting resilient communities and watersheds with our Ocean Friendly Gardens program.  Learn more here.

Recent News

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Program Goals

The Surfrider Foundation’s Climate Action Program goal is to empower and support chapters to restore and protect coastlines and oceans, mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts and preserving coastal environments for all future generations through nature-based solutions.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come. Join us in our commitment to address climate change by protecting and restoring our precious oceans and beaches. Together, we can create a world where nature thrives and communities flourish!

Get Involved

Resources


Blogs

Learn more about Surfrider’s nature-based solutions efforts across the country:

Your Donation Creates a Long Lasting Impact

$25 per month  = 

120 Mangrove Trees Planted
Up to 1 Acre of Coastline Restored
Around 36,000 kg of CO2 Sequestered Over Their lifetime

DONATE

You can take action on climate change with Surfrider — together, we can restore our coasts’ natural resilience, protect our communities, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.