Volunteers needed to replant sea oats on Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH — Area residents who want to meaningfully give back to Mother Nature can help restore sea oats lost during Hurricane Idalia during a replanting event this weekend on Holmes Beach. 

Keep Manatee Beautiful is calling on up to 50 volunteers this Saturday, June 29, at 7 a.m. to plant sea oats that washed out during the storm. Tools and supplies will be provided to those who help. 

“Sand dunes and sea oats are natural barriers against storm surge, and they do their job by breaking up the wind and surf and bracing against storm surge,” says KMB Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman. “But large portions of sand dunes and sea oats washed can be washed away as tides recede.” 

KMB will lead the volunteer effort this Saturday with a financial contribution from the Anna Maria Island Garden Club. Volunteers who wish to help are asked to sign up on KMB’s volunteer page and to gather at the 77th Street entrance to Holmes Beach on Saturday at 7 a.m. 

“Those contributing just a few hours of help will get a lot out of this, and I know they’ll find it rewarding,” Hoffman says.