Sanibel has lost many native trees to storms; Why this group is working to replant them

SANIBEL, Fla. —

Sanibel Island is launching the "Roots in Resilience" project to restore its native tree canopy, which has been damaged by hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian in 2022, to preserve the island's natural beauty and strengthen its resilience for future generations.

Kate Sergeant, a long-time resident and business owner on the island, expressed her desire to see Sanibel restored to its former glory.

"We just want to restore it to where it was before Ian," she said. Sergeant and her family have been part of the island community for generations, and her business relies on the island's natural allure to attract visitors. Reflecting on the impact of Hurricane Ian, she described the experience as "heartbreaking" and "devastating."

John Henshaw, another Sanibel resident and city council member, has witnessed the destruction of the island's tree canopy by storms dating back to Hurricane Charley in 2004. "It sort of scarred us for life. We can't unsee that," he said. Henshaw emphasized the importance of rebuilding the canopy, stating, "What we want to do is build it back."

The "Roots in Resilience" project aims to restore native plants and trees along key roads like Causeway Boulevard, which serves as the gateway to the island. Landscape architect Leigh Gevelinger, involved with the project, highlighted the significance of the tree canopy in withstanding hurricane-force winds and its role in coastal resilience. "Canopy is a really big, important thing that we need to bring back to our streets," she said.

Henshaw also noted the benefits of native trees in managing rainwater absorption, which can help prevent flooding. "And that way we won't have a wet soil all the time," he said, emphasizing the importance of greenery in maintaining a balanced environment.

The project plans to purchase at least 50 native trees and other vegetation annually for the next 50 years. Sergeant hopes her grandchildren and future generations will enjoy a lush Sanibel, saying, "I'm hoping my grandchildren, my great grandchildren will be coming here, and it will be super lush."

The initiative is a public-city partnership, with funds raised to buy the native trees and vegetation selected by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the city's Natural Resources Department. The city of Sanibel will handle the purchase, planting, and maintenance of the plantings, starting with the Causeway Boulevard corridor. Future projects include Lindgren Boulevard, segments on Periwinkle Way, beach accesses, and segments of San-Cap Road.

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