The Manhattan Beach Dunes’ goals include:

1. Increase the resiliency of the shoreline through the restoration of sandy beach and foredune habitat
2. Implement nature-based protection measures against sea level rise and coastal storms
3. Increase engagement of the community through enhanced beach experiences, outreach, and education.

This restoration effort removes non-native plants and replaces them with native vegetation by seeding and planting. TBF  installed sand fencing and biomimicry stakes to help capture and retain sand. Collectively, the plants, fencing, and stakes slow the wind and allow windblown sand to accumulate. In doing so, habitat is enhanced for biodiversity and wildlife, and affordable natural infrastructure is created that will protect Manhattan Beach from climate change-related sea level rise. Symbolic posts and rope fencing provide pathways through the dunes and educational signage is used to highlight the needs and benefits of the effort.

This demonstration site serves as a model for the region, showing that heavy recreational use of beaches and meaningful habitat restoration are not incompatible goals. It evaluates “soft” nature-based, low-cost living shoreline protection from sea level rise and storms while providing public benefits and enhancing natural resource values.

Click through to view photos of the site before its implementation, followed by artistic perspective renderings of the restored native dune habitat planned for the site. These renderings were developed by RIOS design collective and help visualize what the site could look like 5 years after its implementation.