Florida Soil and Water

Suelo y Agua

Volusia County

Volusia County boasts a rich agricultural heritage that comes to life through its vibrant and diverse farms. Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a farm tour that opened my eyes to the fascinating world of agriculture in this charming county. Join me as I recount the highlights of this immersive experience and share the [&#8230;]

<img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-3301 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="293" height="207" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/imagejpeg_015-300x212.jpg">Volusia County boasts a rich agricultural heritage that comes to life through its vibrant and diverse farms. Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a farm tour that opened my eyes to the fascinating world of agriculture in this charming county. Join me as I recount the highlights of this immersive experience and share the stories of the hardworking farmers who contribute to the region’s agriculture.
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ol>
<li>Evans Fish Farm spanning 100 acres, stands as one of Florida&#8217;s most progressive aquaculture facilities. The tour provided valuable insights into the aquaculture industry, covering the history, mission, and fish cultivation methods. Participants explored breeding pools, the grow-out facility with ponds, tanks, and net pens, and gained knowledge about fish at different developmental stages. An exciting opportunity to purchase their exclusive Anastashia Gold Caviar added to the experience!</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>H&amp;H Greens specializes in growing a variety of greens and cut products for wholesale and retail. The tour showcased the interior of the business, with a demonstration of the intricate process of creating small bouquets. Despite weather constraints, guests had the chance to make and take home their own bouquet as a memorable keepsake of the day.</li>
<li>Innovation Arabians is one of the largest horse farms in the county that boasts five barns, four riding arenas, and extensive riding space. Weather limitations confined the tour to the barns attached to the main arena, where owners passionately shared insights into their riding lessons, summer camps, and the new Farm School program. Attendees enjoyed interacting with animals brought into the arena, along with youth activities and a bounce house.</li>
<li>Yaupon Brothers is known for promoting Yaupon Holly tea, an indigenous North American plant, and focus on cultivating, harvesting, and processing the plant for various tea products. Walking through the facilities, I gained an appreciation for using native plants right in our own backyard for a natural caffeine fix!  Tour participants had the chance to try several types of yaupon tea.  Yaupon Brothers have farmers throughout North Florida that are growing these plants for tea.</li>
<li>Benedict Farms was built on a family tradition back in 1934.  The farm has expanded to growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community.  On this stop of the tour people had the chance to buy local canned and pickled vegetables and fresh eggs. The family did a tour of their fields, IPM and spray techniques unique to their farm, and talked about the new renovations for their store.</li>
<li>Persimmon Hollow is a local craft brewery with its main site situated in the historic downtown area of DeLand.  They offered a guided tour about the beer-making process, the history of the brewery, and people got a behind-the-scenes glimpses of brewing facilities and the upcoming expansion plans.  It emphasized how UF is working on hop cultivars to grow in Florida.  Attendees had the chance to do a tasting session and purchase beer after the tour.</li>
</ol>
The Volusia County farm tour was an eye-opening journey through diverse agricultural landscapes. Each farm, whether producing organic vegetables, ferns, tea, horses, fish, or beer, shared a unique story of hard work, dedication, and a profound connection to the land. In an era where understanding the origins of our food is crucial, Volusia County&#8217;s farms not only provide sustenance but also contribute significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of the community. I left the tour with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and passion of the farmers cultivating the county&#8217;s bountiful harvest.
Despite the rainy weather, this year&#8217;s tour was a success, with 155 people exploring at least one of the six featured spots. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these exceptional farms with our community.  For more information on 2024 Farm Tour please call the Volusia County Extension Office.
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3303 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="237" height="178" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/imagejpeg_016-300x225.jpg"> <img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3305 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="239" height="179" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/IMG_1596-300x225.jpg"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3307 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="156" height="208" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/20231117_115257-225x300.jpg"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3309 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="248" height="186" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/IMG_0492-300x225.jpg"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3321 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="158" height="210" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2024/01/1000010976-225x300.jpg">
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Volusia County boasts a rich agricultural heritage that comes to life through its vibrant and diverse farms. Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a farm tour that opened my eyes to the fascinating world of agriculture in this charming county. Join me as I recount the highlights of this immersive experience and share the stories of the hardworking farmers who contribute to the region’s agriculture.
Evans Fish Farm spanning 100 acres, stands as one of Florida’s most progressive aquaculture facilities. The tour provided valuable insights into the aquaculture industry, covering the history, mission, and fish cultivation methods. Participants explored breeding pools, the grow-out facility with ponds, tanks, and net pens, and gained knowledge about fish at different developmental stages. An exciting opportunity to purchase their exclusive Anastashia Gold Caviar added to the experience!
H&H Greens specializes in growing a variety of greens and cut products for wholesale and retail. The tour showcased the interior of the business, with a demonstration of the intricate process of creating small bouquets. Despite weather constraints, guests had the chance to make and take home their own bouquet as a memorable keepsake of the day.
Innovation Arabians is one of the largest horse farms in the county that boasts five barns, four riding arenas, and extensive riding space. Weather limitations confined the tour to the barns attached to the main arena, where owners passionately shared insights into their riding lessons, summer camps, and the new Farm School program. Attendees enjoyed interacting with animals brought into the arena, along with youth activities and a bounce house.
Yaupon Brothers is known for promoting Yaupon Holly tea, an indigenous North American plant, and focus on cultivating, harvesting, and processing the plant for various tea products. Walking through the facilities, I gained an appreciation for using native plants right in our own backyard for a natural caffeine fix!  Tour participants had the chance to try several types of yaupon tea.  Yaupon Brothers have farmers throughout North Florida that are growing these plants for tea.
Benedict Farms was built on a family tradition back in 1934.  The farm has expanded to growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community.  On this stop of the tour people had the chance to buy local canned and pickled vegetables and fresh eggs. The family did a tour of their fields, IPM and spray techniques unique to their farm, and talked about the new renovations for their store.
Persimmon Hollow is a local craft brewery with its main site situated in the historic downtown area of DeLand.  They offered a guided tour about the beer-making process, the history of the brewery, and people got a behind-the-scenes glimpses of brewing facilities and the upcoming expansion plans.  It emphasized how UF is working on hop cultivars to grow in Florida.  Attendees had the chance to do a tasting session and purchase beer after the tour.
The Volusia County farm tour was an eye-opening journey through diverse agricultural landscapes. Each farm, whether producing organic vegetables, ferns, tea, horses, fish, or beer, shared a unique story of hard work, dedication, and a profound connection to the land. In an era where understanding the origins of our food is crucial, Volusia County’s farms not only provide sustenance but also contribute significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of the community. I left the tour with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and passion of the farmers cultivating the county’s bountiful harvest.
Despite the rainy weather, this year’s tour was a success, with 155 people exploring at least one of the six featured spots. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these exceptional farms with our community.  For more information on 2024 Farm Tour please call the Volusia County Extension Office.
    
 
 
Top of Form

Volusia County boasts a rich agricultural heritage that comes to life through its vibrant and diverse farms. Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a farm tour that opened my eyes to the fascinating world of agriculture in this charming county. Join me as I recount the highlights of this immersive experience and share the […]

Exploring Volusia County from Farm to Farm!

November 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agriculture industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families and pump more than $780 million in the local economy. The University of Florida/IFAS [&#8230;]

<h1>November 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm</h1>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-2967 alignleft lazyload" style="font-weight: bold" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2023/10/farm.tour_.logo_-300x200.jpg">
 The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agriculture industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families and pump more than $780 million in the local economy. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension office and the Volusia County Farm Bureau have partnered with eight local producers to highlight their farming techniques, their products and their passion for agriculture. Everything from growing vegetables to raising livestock will be highlighted at this year’s event and we hope you enjoy learning about Volusia County agriculture.
We are excited to announce this year’s tour stops. We will have four stops on the West side of the county, and we will have four stops on the East side of the county. Participation is free and participants can go to which locations they choose at the designated time slots. This allows the farmer/family to have one hour to showcase what they are producing. Some of the stops may have the opportunity to purchase their products. Tour A (West)                                                                                                                                            Tour B (East) 1. Yaupon Brothers American Tea 8:30-9:30am                                                                                1. Evans Fish Farm 8:30-9:30am 504 Pullman Rd, Edgewater                                                                                                                       1195 E Washington Ave, Pierson                                                                                                         
2. Benedict Farms 10:00-11:00am                                                                                                        2.  H&amp;H Greens 10:00-11:00am 705 Airport Road, New Smyrna Beach                                                                                                      1990 Reynolds Rd, DeLeon Springs
3.  Innovation Arabians 11:30-12:30pm                                                                                              3.  Common Ground Farm 11:30-12:30pm 2552 Tomoka Farms Rd, Port Orange                                                                                                        1330 E Taylor Rd, DeLand
4.  Longleaf Pine Preserve 1:00-2:00pm                                                                                              4.  Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. 1:00-2:00pm 3736 E New York Ave, DeLand                                                                                                                    1635 Patterson Ave, DeLand 1. Evans Fish Farm is a 100-acre farm located in Pierson. It is one of the most progressive aquaculture facilities in Florida. See several species of sturgeon and other varieties of fish. One of the only American producers of premium farm-raised sturgeon caviar. 2. H&amp;H Greens has five generations of Florida farmers working and growing for you. Monaca and Tanner Campbell along with the rest of their staff grow a variety of greens and cut their products to meet the needs of wholesale and retail. They specialize in fresh cut Florida greens. 3. Common Ground Farm owned by John and Pat Joslin started out as a small garden has grown into a farm that is now in its twelfth season. They grow over thirty different vegetables and herbs using only organic practices. In addition, they offer classes ranging from canning to baking bread. 4. Persimmon Hollow Brewery and taproom in DeLand opened in 2014 and made Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk dream become reality.   Brewers add hops in stages to affect the bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Beer is solely dependent on agriculture! This stop will be a tour of the beer making process.
5. Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. wild-harvests, processes and ships Yaupon Holly tea all from their forest and factory in Volusia County. Their organic certified operation began in 2015 when two brothers, Bryon and Kyle White and Mark Steele formed it.   6. Benedict Farms, located in Samsula, was established circa 1934, and is built on family tradition. After many years of producing hay for their cattle, the farm is expanding by growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community. 7. Innovation Arabians, one of Volusia county’s largest horse farms, was founded in the 1980’s by Dr. Diane Lapham of Port Orange. With five barns, four riding arenas, countless paddocks, and hundreds of acres of riding space,. In 2021, Diane’s daughter, Dr. Ava Lapham, and her husband Scott Clark took over management of the farm and have continued to put an emphasis on creating a true family farm. 8. Longleaf Pine Preserve includes several natural communities, including mesic and wet flatwoods, cypress strands, cypress domes, and scrub. The preserve covers 12,005 acres and has two marked trails. This stop will have the eco buggy tour.
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     <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-2973" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2023/10/HH-Christmas-mix-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="166" height="221" />     <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-2975" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2023/10/Anastasia-gold-caviar-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="144" />     <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-2977" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2023/10/Innovation-Arabians-pic-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="286" height="190" />    <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3025 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="147" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/files/2023/10/Yaupon-Holly-Leaves-300x147.png">
 For more information and details about each of our farms representing Farm Tour 2023, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County at 386-822-5778.

November 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm




The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agriculture industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families and pump more than $780 million in the local economy. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension office and the Volusia County Farm Bureau have partnered with eight local producers to highlight their farming techniques, their products and their passion for agriculture. Everything from growing vegetables to raising livestock will be highlighted at this year’s event and we hope you enjoy learning about Volusia County agriculture.

We are excited to announce this year’s tour stops. We will have four stops on the West side of the county, and we will have four stops on the East side of the county. Participation is free and participants can go to which locations they choose at the designated time slots. This allows the farmer/family to have one hour to showcase what they are producing. Some of the stops may have the opportunity to purchase their products. 
Tour A (West)                                                                                                                                            Tour B (East)
1. Yaupon Brothers American Tea 8:30-9:30am                                                                                1. Evans Fish Farm 8:30-9:30am
504 Pullman Rd, Edgewater                                                                                                                       1195 E Washington Ave, Pierson                                                                                                         

2. Benedict Farms 10:00-11:00am                                                                                                        2.  H&H Greens 10:00-11:00am
705 Airport Road, New Smyrna Beach                                                                                                      1990 Reynolds Rd, DeLeon Springs

3.  Innovation Arabians 11:30-12:30pm                                                                                              3.  Common Ground Farm 11:30-12:30pm
2552 Tomoka Farms Rd, Port Orange                                                                                                        1330 E Taylor Rd, DeLand

4.  Longleaf Pine Preserve 1:00-2:00pm                                                                                              4.  Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. 1:00-2:00pm
3736 E New York Ave, DeLand                                                                                                                    1635 Patterson Ave, DeLand 
1. Evans Fish Farm is a 100-acre farm located in Pierson. It is one of the most progressive aquaculture facilities in Florida. See several species of sturgeon and other varieties of fish. One of the only American producers of premium farm-raised sturgeon caviar. 
2. H&H Greens has five generations of Florida farmers working and growing for you. Monaca and Tanner Campbell along with the rest of their staff grow a variety of greens and cut their products to meet the needs of wholesale and retail. They specialize in fresh cut Florida greens. 
3. Common Ground Farm owned by John and Pat Joslin started out as a small garden has grown into a farm that is now in its twelfth season. They grow over thirty different vegetables and herbs using only organic practices. In addition, they offer classes ranging from canning to baking bread. 
4. Persimmon Hollow Brewery and taproom in DeLand opened in 2014 and made Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk dream become reality.   Brewers add hops in stages to affect the bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Beer is solely dependent on agriculture! This stop will be a tour of the beer making process.

5. Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. wild-harvests, processes and ships Yaupon Holly tea all from their forest and factory in Volusia County. Their organic certified operation began in 2015 when two brothers, Bryon and Kyle White and Mark Steele formed it.  
6. Benedict Farms, located in Samsula, was established circa 1934, and is built on family tradition. After many years of producing hay for their cattle, the farm is expanding by growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community. 
7. Innovation Arabians, one of Volusia county’s largest horse farms, was founded in the 1980’s by Dr. Diane Lapham of Port Orange. With five barns, four riding arenas, countless paddocks, and hundreds of acres of riding space,. In 2021, Diane’s daughter, Dr. Ava Lapham, and her husband Scott Clark took over management of the farm and have continued to put an emphasis on creating a true family farm. 
8. Longleaf Pine Preserve includes several natural communities, including mesic and wet flatwoods, cypress strands, cypress domes, and scrub. The preserve covers 12,005 acres and has two marked trails. This stop will have the eco buggy tour.

 

                   


For more information and details about each of our farms representing Farm Tour 2023, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County at 386-822-5778.

November 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agriculture industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families and pump more than $780 million in the local economy. The University of Florida/IFAS […]

42nd Annual Volusia County Farm Tour

A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline.  Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat.  Residents living in coastal areas affected by erosion due to boat wakes, storms, or a loss of natural habitat may consider a living shoreline for their property. [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3663" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3663" style="width: 282px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-3663" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/04/Living-shoreline-Spartina-planting-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="282" height="376" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3663" class="wp-caption-text">Newly planted smooth cordgrass at a living shoreline</figcaption></figure>
A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline.  Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat.  Residents living in coastal areas affected by erosion due to boat wakes, storms, or a loss of natural habitat may consider a living shoreline for their property.
This blog provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about living shorelines in Volusia and Flagler Counties.  Most of the information pertains statewide in Florida, and you can find resources to appropriate plants in your area, examples of local living shorelines, and contacts in your region at the <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/">Florida Living Shorelines website</a>.
<h3></h3>
<h3>What is a living shoreline? </h3>
<a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/what-is-a-livingshoreline/">Living shorelines</a> use natural species and processes to stabilize the shoreline and prevent erosion. Living shorelines can help protect property along the coasts as well as <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS707">provide many ecosystem services, including creating habitat, promoting, biodiversity, and sequestering carbon</a>. Living shorelines use <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/marshplants/">appropriate plant species</a> – in our area that is usually smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and red, black, or white mangroves.  They may also include bags or gabions of oyster shells to serve as a breakwater. 
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<h3>Why would I want a living shoreline? </h3>
If you live along a coastal shoreline, such as the intracoastal waterway or a tributary, you may experience erosion of land into the waterway.  Living shorelines are an alternative to the traditional “hard stabilization” that has typically taken place along shorelines in the form of seawalls.  While both seawalls and living shorelines reduce shoreline erosion, living shorelines have some advantages.  These include: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Protects, restores, and enhances wildlife habitats</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Improves water quality </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Absorbs wave energy and storm surge </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Becomes more stable over time and can adapt to sea level rise </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Provides a natural aesthetic </li>
</ul>
Whether a living shoreline is the proper way to protect your shoreline depends on many factors, such as the slope of the shore and level of wave action.
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<h3>Do I need a permit to create a living shoreline on my property? </h3>
Yes.  Any work that is done below the Mean High Water (MHW) line requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).  However, most residential living shorelines projects fit the &#8220;exemption category.&#8221;  Paperwork still needs to be submitted and approved for exempt projects, but these categories have minimal requirements and no fees.  
You can find information about permitting for living shorelines on the <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/information-help-and-documents/permitting/">Florida Living Shorelines Permitting page</a>.   In addition, you can find step-by-step instructions for completing the permitting processes for both the <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SG187">Florida DEP</a> and <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SG189">US Army Corps of Engineers</a> though the links.  Before you begin the permitting process, reach out to your local DEP or <a href="https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Office-Locations/">ACOE</a> offices to set up a pre-application meeting review the process.  
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_3653" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3653" style="width: 321px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-3653" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/04/MDC-Canaveral-oyster-bags-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="241" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3653" class="wp-caption-text">Bags of recycled oyster shell to be used in living shoreline projects. </figcaption></figure>
<h3>I have seen bags of oyster shells being used as shoreline protection.  Can I get these and put them along my shoreline?  </h3>
Yes, you are able to obtain oyster shell gabions from several providers in our area, including <a href="https://marinediscoverycenter.org/">Marine Discovery Center</a> and <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gamble-rogers-memorial-state-recreation-area-flagler-beach">Gamble Rogers State Park</a>, but you will need to apply for permits before you are able to utilize these on your property below the Mean High Water line.  To qualify for a living shoreline exemption in the permitting process, you will need to incorporate vegetation into your living shoreline in addition to the bags of oyster shells. 
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_3659" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3659" style="width: 272px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-3659" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/04/LSL-Washington-Oaks-volcanoes-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="272" height="362" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3659" class="wp-caption-text">New living shoreline in the state park.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Where can I see an example of a living shoreline? </h3>
The <a href="https://marinediscoverycenter.org/">Marine Discovery Center</a> in New Smyrna Beach has an educational and functional display of shorelines, ranging from traditional “gray” shorelines with seawalls and rip rap to living shorelines with marsh and mangroves.  This site is open to the public.  
You can also arrange a site visit to the living shorelines installed at <a href="https://www.riversideconservancy.org/">Riverside Conservancy</a> in Edgewater. 
In Flagler County, you can visit <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gamble-rogers-memorial-state-recreation-area-flagler-beach">Gamble Rogers State Park</a> and <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park">Washington Oaks Gardens State Park</a> to see two living shoreline projects that were installed in spring 2022.  
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<h3>I want to have a living shoreline on my property, but I do not want to do it myself.  Can someone else do it for me? </h3>
If you wish to have a contractor handle the process (from permitting to implementation and monitoring), you can review the <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/businesses/">businesses who have completed Living Shorelines training.</a> 
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<h3>Where can I find more information about living shorelines? </h3>
The <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/">Florida Living Shorelines</a> website is your one stop shop for all things living shorelines in the state. On this page you can find information about living shorelines in Florida, with resources specific to each region of the state.  If you are interested in a more in-depth training, consider taking the <a href="https://floridalivingshorelines.com/contractor-course/">Living Shorelines Training Program for Marine Contractors</a>.  Reach out to your <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/directory/">local Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent</a> if you have additional questions about living shorelines or want to discuss whether your property may be a suitable candidate for a living shorelines, 
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Newly planted smooth cordgrass at a living shoreline
A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline.  Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat.  Residents living in coastal areas affected by erosion due to boat wakes, storms, or a loss of natural habitat may consider a living shoreline for their property.
This blog provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about living shorelines in Volusia and Flagler Counties.  Most of the information pertains statewide in Florida, and you can find resources to appropriate plants in your area, examples of local living shorelines, and contacts in your region at the Florida Living Shorelines website.

What is a living shoreline? 
Living shorelines use natural species and processes to stabilize the shoreline and prevent erosion. Living shorelines can help protect property along the coasts as well as provide many ecosystem services, including creating habitat, promoting, biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Living shorelines use appropriate plant species – in our area that is usually smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and red, black, or white mangroves.  They may also include bags or gabions of oyster shells to serve as a breakwater. 
 
Why would I want a living shoreline? 
If you live along a coastal shoreline, such as the intracoastal waterway or a tributary, you may experience erosion of land into the waterway.  Living shorelines are an alternative to the traditional “hard stabilization” that has typically taken place along shorelines in the form of seawalls.  While both seawalls and living shorelines reduce shoreline erosion, living shorelines have some advantages.  These include: 
Protects, restores, and enhances wildlife habitats
Improves water quality 
Absorbs wave energy and storm surge 
Becomes more stable over time and can adapt to sea level rise 
Provides a natural aesthetic 
Whether a living shoreline is the proper way to protect your shoreline depends on many factors, such as the slope of the shore and level of wave action.
 
Do I need a permit to create a living shoreline on my property? 
Yes.  Any work that is done below the Mean High Water (MHW) line requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).  However, most residential living shorelines projects fit the “exemption category.”  Paperwork still needs to be submitted and approved for exempt projects, but these categories have minimal requirements and no fees.  
You can find information about permitting for living shorelines on the Florida Living Shorelines Permitting page.   In addition, you can find step-by-step instructions for completing the permitting processes for both the Florida DEP and US Army Corps of Engineers though the links.  Before you begin the permitting process, reach out to your local DEP or ACOE offices to set up a pre-application meeting review the process.  
 
Bags of recycled oyster shell to be used in living shoreline projects. 
I have seen bags of oyster shells being used as shoreline protection.  Can I get these and put them along my shoreline?  
Yes, you are able to obtain oyster shell gabions from several providers in our area, including Marine Discovery Center and Gamble Rogers State Park, but you will need to apply for permits before you are able to utilize these on your property below the Mean High Water line.  To qualify for a living shoreline exemption in the permitting process, you will need to incorporate vegetation into your living shoreline in addition to the bags of oyster shells. 
 
New living shoreline in the state park.
Where can I see an example of a living shoreline? 
The Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach has an educational and functional display of shorelines, ranging from traditional “gray” shorelines with seawalls and rip rap to living shorelines with marsh and mangroves.  This site is open to the public.  
You can also arrange a site visit to the living shorelines installed at Riverside Conservancy in Edgewater. 
In Flagler County, you can visit Gamble Rogers State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park to see two living shoreline projects that were installed in spring 2022.  
 

 
I want to have a living shoreline on my property, but I do not want to do it myself.  Can someone else do it for me? 
If you wish to have a contractor handle the process (from permitting to implementation and monitoring), you can review the businesses who have completed Living Shorelines training. 
 
Where can I find more information about living shorelines? 
The Florida Living Shorelines website is your one stop shop for all things living shorelines in the state. On this page you can find information about living shorelines in Florida, with resources specific to each region of the state.  If you are interested in a more in-depth training, consider taking the Living Shorelines Training Program for Marine Contractors.  Reach out to your local Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent if you have additional questions about living shorelines or want to discuss whether your property may be a suitable candidate for a living shorelines,

A living shoreline uses natural materials such as marsh grasses, mangroves, and bags of oyster shell to stabilize the shoreline.  Living shorelines prevent erosion while simultaneously restoring habitat.  Residents living in coastal areas affected by erosion due to boat wakes, storms, or a loss of natural habitat may consider a living shoreline for their property. […]

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