Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to the public until January 17 while it undergoes a restoration project. But, if you have a desire to visit the mangrove island bird haven, Joanna Taylor and Takako Hashimoto will be happy to arrange a free boat ride and personalized hands-on tour if you don’t mind getting a little wet or muddy to help preserve the historic island.

Now, roughly half the 5½ acres it encompassed in 1903 when Teddy Roosevelt bestowed federal protection, refuge managers need volunteers to help plant mangroves and approximately 10,000 smooth cordgrass plugs Jan. 17-20 to halt further erosion from waves and boat wakes. In the first project phase in 2001, helicopters dumped oyster shells to form a wave barrier, followed by cordgrass and mangrove plantings, after which erosion was temporarily reversed and the island grew by two thirds of an acre. However, many of the plants were placed in water too deep and did not survive. Helicopters recently deposited another 250 cubic yards of oyster shells and 1,000 yards of sand to enhance the barrier and raise the bottom elevation by several inches.

Volunteers are advised to provide their own waders, gloves, hats and sunscreen. Boat transportation will be provided from North Jungle Trail. Contact Taylor at (772) 562-3909, X258, or Hashimoto at (772) 562-3909 to let them know when you’re available.

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