The Nature Conservancy will host approximately 60 people from across the nation who are focused on using nature to help communities reduce risks from floods and storms at Pensacola Beach on April 7-9. In more than 22 communities around the country, the Conservancy is helping define how nature can be used alongside traditional approaches, such as seawalls, levees and dams to reduce risks from floods and coastal storms, while also providing other benefits, such as oyster reef restoration, improved water quality, enhanced wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
A main reason our area was chosen to host the event is because organizers are interested in viewing Project GreenShores, an example of using nature as part of a community development plan that helps not only reduces risk of erosion but provides other benefits to the community. Escambia County has been heralded as a leader in the state in identifying actions the County and its residents can take to help adapt to and reduce their risk to storms and flooding that include implementing natural solutions such as living shorelines.
Also, on April 10 the County will host a presentation and workshop on the findings of the Coastal Resiliency and Loss study conducted in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Texas A&M. That event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place.
