FORT PIERCE — Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute received a $250,000 gift from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to develop a mangrove restoration project at Harbor Branch.
“This gift reflects the foundation’s deep commitment to protecting our coastal ecosystems,” said Ken Farber, executive director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. “Under Ambassador Johnson’s direction, we are proud to support Harbor Branch’s work to restore mangroves and seagrass, helping preserve Florida’s natural environment and the marine life that depends on it for generations to come.”
Established in 2015, the Harbor Branch Seagrass Nursery cultivates native seagrasses in land-based tanks to populate depleted areas of the Indian River Lagoon. Urban development has eroded the coastal environment, resulting in the loss of seagrass, mangroves and other coastal plants. These native species contribute to a healthy habitat, filtering water running off into the ocean and providing nursery grounds and homes for fish species and other marine life — such as stone crabs and oysters — which contribute to commercial fisheries. Mangroves provide a barrier against storm impacts and coastal erosion.
Establishing the mangrove project will span a year-long period. The first phase will add tanks and infrastructure to house mangrove plants, as well as salt marsh grass and halophytes, salt-loving plants that live in nearshore areas. Scientists will then develop propagation strategies to grow healthy plants, reintroduce the plants at identified pilot sites, and track their growth.
“Gifts like this ensure our continued success in restoring critical habitats in the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in the United States,” said Rachel Brewton, Ph.D., assistant research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and lead on the project. “The program is grateful for this support, which will increase the plant stock needed to maintain these conservation efforts.”
Harbor Branch will collaborate with community and state partners to identify priority restoration sites and share results. Partners include Florida Sea Grant; the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program; Florida Oceanographic Institute; Brevard Zoo; and other local counties and nonprofit restoration groups.The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Betty Wold Johnson — a visionary philanthropist and matriarch of the Johnson family. Guided by her compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual, the Foundation supports initiatives that uplift communities and foster lasting impact across education, public service, arts and sports. Rooted in Betty Wold Johnson’s lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and the American experience, the Foundation champions access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and employment, investing in innovative programs, scientific research, and cultural institutions that enrich the spirit and strengthen the fabric of society.
Florida Atlantic University serves more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses along Florida’s Southeast coast. Ranked among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report, FAU is also nationally recognized as a Top 25 Best-In-Class College and cited by Washington Monthly as “one of the country’s most effective engines of upward mobility.” For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: FAU Harbor Branch receives $250k gift for environmental research
Reporting by Chelsey Matheson, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chelsey Matheson, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | USA TODAY Network
