What is Mangrove Restoration?
Mangrove restoration is the process of replanting and strengthening native mangrove forests to rebuild healthy coastal habitat. Mangroves play a critical role in supporting wildlife, serving as nursery grounds for fish, improving water quality, and protecting shorelines from erosion and storm damage. We’re restoring mangroves to help create a more resilient coastline, support local fisheries, and ensure the long-term health of the lagoon for both the ecosystem and the community.
Native Coastal Plants
Native coastal trees and shrubs like sea grape, buttonwood, and pink poui are an important part of the Virgin Islands landscape, but many areas have struggled to naturally recover after repeated storm impacts. We’re working to reestablish these species where they’ve declined to help rebuild healthy coastal forests, restore shade and habitat, and reinforce the natural systems that protect our shorelines. Supporting the return of native vegetation helps the coast recover more fully and prepares it to better withstand future storms.
Who We Are
The St. Croix Roots for Reefs Project is an ambitious three-year initiative funded through NOAA's Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants Program. Our goals is to enhance ecosystem and community resilience in St. Croix through a comprehensive “ridge-to-reef” approach—restoring coral reefs, managing watershed runoff, and empowering underserved communities through education and workforce development.
Want to get involved?
Join us in the mud!
Mangrove outplanting isn’t your typical beach day - it’s muddy, hands-in-the-earth, boots-stuck-in-the-sediment kind of work. But that mud tells a bigger story. By planting mangroves, you’re helping restore natural storm protection, improve water quality, create nursery habitat for fish and wildlife, and strengthen our coastal ecosystems for generations to come. Every seedling placed in the ground is an investment in a healthier shoreline and a more resilient community. Come ready to get a little dirty and leave knowing you made a lasting difference.
Partners & Collaborators
