HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20181109_19thStDune.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Dr. Shawn Gillen, City Manager,
City of Tybee Island
912.472.5070
sgillen@cityoftybee.org
Cathy J. Sakas, Chair,
Tybee Island Beach Task Force
912.660.7164
csakas@cityoftybee.org
Call for Volunteers to Help Place Dune Plants on Tybee Island’s 19th Street Dune
Tybee Island, Ga. – (November 9, 2018) Tybee Island’s Beach Task Force, comprised of volunteers appointed by the Tybee Island City Council, identified an environmentally sound way to
help stabilize the newly rebuilt 19th Street dune. An effective dune is populated by specific plants that capture wind-blown beach sand and provides the strongest defense against the
ravages of storm winds and waves. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 scoured the dune system, allowing ocean water to pour through the openings in Tybee’s dune system.
As a response, in April 2018 the 19th Street dune was filled in to make that dune system entire. High surf associated with Hurricane Michael in 2018 tested the newly rebuilt 19th Street
dune system and, to the great relief of everyone, the rebuilt dune held up against the damaging surf. To help further the 19th Street dune to do its job, plants need to populate it.
Plant roots are the best method for stabilizing dunes.
On Saturday, November 17th, 30 volunteers are sought to help plant a variety of native species, including traditional sea oats and beach grasses, but also dune sunflowers, blanket flower,
morning glory, and other plants that complement the grasses and help stabilize the dune.
In past volunteer work days, the most often heard comment has been, “I am very happy to do something hands-on to help Tybee!”
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, spades and shovels. Above all, everyone should come equipped with a willing attitude and cooperative spirit!
Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes for predicted temperatures, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Water for the volunteers will be provided by Georgia Power.
The City of Tybee Island will issue temporary parking passes while volunteers are working. Volunteers should be sure to obtain and place parking passes on their dash upon arrival!
Thomas Angell of Verdant Enterprises, our landscape architect who designed the plan, will supervise on the day. City of Tybee's Department of Public Works will be providing assistance
during this effort.
People wishing to volunteer should contact Cathy Sakas, Volunteer Coordinator, Tybee Island Beach Task Force, csakas@cityoftybee.org.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs,
and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.
org/.
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The artificial berm at 19th Street is covered with sand to provide a natural barrier.
Who:
Volunteers needed to plant Tybee’s 19th Street dune
When:
Saturday 17th of November 2018; 8AM – until completed
Where:
Meet at 19th Street beach parking lot for assignments
What to Bring:
1. Shovels
2. Gloves
3. Spades
4. Hat
5. Sunglasses
6. Sunscreen
Drinking water will be provided
Volunteers Point of Contact:
Cathy Sakas, Volunteer Coordinator, Tybee Island Beach Task Force, csakas@cityoftybee.org
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