Florida Park Brings Back 300 Trees After Hurricane Michael

A coastal Florida park destroyed by Hurricane Michael is blooming back to life, thanks to volunteers who've planted 300 trees by hand and carried buckets of water through freezing winter days.

Salinas Park in Port St. Joe once sheltered thousands of migrating birds under its canopy of pines, oaks, and native shrubs. Hurricane Michael wiped it all away in 2018, leaving nothing but sand.

The Coastal Community Association launched a restoration project in 2023 to bring the three-acre site back. Working with the Port St. Joe Garden Club, Duke Energy Foundation, and local volunteers, they've planted over 300 native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers.

This winter, dedicated volunteers watered 39 newly planted trees by hauling three to five gallon buckets across the park in all weather conditions. They showed up during cold snaps when most people stayed home.

The hard work is paying off. Ray Bodrey, a University of Florida extension agent, recently surveyed the site and found many plants flourishing. He's now helping the team select additional species to create an even richer ecosystem.

The Ripple Effect

The restoration is attracting expert support and new wildlife. Col Lauzau, who manages Audubon's Panhandle shorebird program, walked the restored paths and called it "perfect bluebird habitat." She's helping install specially designed nesting boxes for bluebirds, wrens, owls, and bats throughout the park.

Gulf County's parks department has joined the effort by installing two owl boxes and building four benches where visitors can rest and watch for birds. The Tourist Development Council is maintaining walking paths through the area.

Project leader Janna Rinehart says the transformation has been remarkable. "We have already seen the area go from a flat sand bed to an area flourishing with grasses, colorful shrubs and flowers and the trees are taking root," she said.

The team has applied for another Duke Energy Foundation grant to fund more birdhouses and plants. They're inviting the community to visit the park, walk the new paths, and spot returning bird species.

Volunteers who want to help plant, water, or support the restoration can email drills@talstar.com to get involved in creating habitat for the next generation.