Have you ever heard of a living shoreline/ How about a hurricane hole? If you know, then you may be surprised to know that St. Petersburg College‘s STEM Center has both! 

Natural infrastructure

NOAA defines a living shoreline as a protected, stabilized coastal edge made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. Unlike a concrete seawall or other hard structure, which impede the growth of plants and animals, living shorelines grow over time. 

These natural infrastructure solutions provide wildlife habitat, as well as natural resilience to communities near the waterfront. They are an innovative and cost-effective technique for coastal management.  

SPC’s living shoreline has one of the last salt tern habitats in Pinellas County, so our Living Shoreline project protects and enhances a very special relationship, in which the salt tern and living shoreline come together to preserve the base of a food chain. Whether it be a fisherman or a shorebird looking for a meal, estuary life in mangroves relies on that ecosystem.

Shelter from the storm

The National Park Service defines a hurricane hole as a protected area located far enough inland that one can avoid surge and winds. They are ringed by protective mangroves and offer coverage and protection for vessels and other property. The hurricane hole at SPC’s STEM Center is the water body that reaches the shores of our living shoreline. Since the 1930’s, locals have used to the area to shelter boats during hurricanes. After years of work, all of the derelict vessels have now been cleared, so the area can now do what it does best: protect the fragile community of the living shoreline.

SPC educates and supports

SPC’s STEM Center is getting attention. The University of Florida Cooperative Extension Office in Pinellas County will be using the SPC STEM center for images and support as they create their upcoming guides and documents for homeowners and residents, and the Pinellas County Environmental Management Division is working on a Pinellas County Water Atlas website to engage citizens in understanding the watershed and its resources. The SPC STEM Center and its living shoreline will be featured on their website.  

Want to see for yourself? Come check out the living shoreline, on Hurricane Hole at the SPC STEM Center this summer!