A new restoration project is underway along the Indian River Lagoon, with the City of Edgewater and Riverside Conservancy working to rebuild habitat, improve water quality, and strengthen the shoreline at Veteran’s Park.
The first phase of the project includes the installation of 60 engineered oyster modules designed to provide a stable surface for oysters to attach and grow, eventually creating a living reef.
A future phase will include seagrass planting, adding another critical piece to the lagoon’s ecosystem.
“The Indian River Lagoon is one of Edgewater’s greatest natural assets, and protecting it is fundamental to who we are as a waterfront community,” City Manager Joe Mahoney said. “Projects like this reflect our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural habitats that support wildlife, improve environmental health, and ensure Edgewater remains a place where both nature and our community can thrive.”
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Oyster reefs and seagrass meadows work together to support a healthier coastal ecosystem.
Oysters provide habitat for fish, crabs, and other marine life while helping filter the water. Seagrass provides food for Florida manatees, shelter for juvenile fish and shellfish, and helps stabilize sediments along the lagoon floor.
“Living shoreline restoration is about working with nature to rebuild healthy ecosystems,” said Kelli McGee, executive director of Riverside Conservancy. “By combining oyster habitat with seagrass restoration, this project will help strengthen the shoreline, improve habitat for native wildlife and contribute to the long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
Together, the habitats can help improve water quality, support wildlife and fisheries, protect shorelines from erosion and create a more resilient ecosystem.
[WATCH: ‘Restore Our Shores’ works to restore oyster reefs in Indian River Lagoon]
The oyster module installation marks the first phase of the project, with seagrass planting planned in the coming weeks.
Funding is being provided by Riverside Conservancy and grants from the St. Johns River Water Management District, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, and the Earth Focus Initiative of the CEK Foundation.
For Edgewater, the project represents a long-term investment in one of the community’s defining natural resources.
The goal: build a stronger foundation for the lagoon today and create an ecosystem that can continue to thrive for generations to come.