When: September 3, 2022, at 8:10 am 

Where: Delray Beach Pavilion, Delray Beach, FL 33483, east side of the intersection of Atlantic Ave and A1A 

Over the last 50 plus years, our understanding has changed regarding how major storms and the constant force of the ocean affect the coastal system and shoreline. In the past, hardscapes were designed and installed to confront the force of nature, but many of these projects were short-lived and costly, and harmed wildlife and other native biodiversity. Current thought uses natural functions and features to dissipate and absorb wave energy, and provide habitat for a wide diversity of native animals and plants. George Gann of the Institute for Regional Conservation will present a historical perspective of beach protection efforts, from the highly engineered concrete revetments used in past years, to current and ongoing natural dune restoration efforts. 

The Institute for Regional Conservation is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and long-term management of biodiversity on a regional basis, and to the prevention of local extinctions of rare plants, animals, and ecosystems. Based in Florida, USA, IRC works on conservation research and action throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and beyond. Their work is premised on an innovative idea of conservation that seeks to protect and restore viable populations of all plant and animal species within a region, rather than focusing on charismatic animals or plants with narrow global ranges. For more information visit www.regionalconservation.org