The three specific goals of the MBDR project are to:

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 project will remove non-native plants and replace them with native vegetation by seeding and planting. TBF will install 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, this project enhances habitat, provides for wildlife, and creates affordable natural infrastructure that will protect Manhattan beach from climate change related sea level rise. Symbolic post and rope fencing will provide pathways through the dunes and educational signage will be used to highlight the need for, and benefits of, the project.

This demonstration site will serve as a model for the region, showing that heavy recreational use of beaches and meaningful habitat restoration are not incompatible goals. It will evaluate “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 before photos of the site prior to project implementation followed by artistic perspective renderings of the restored native dune habitat planned for the project site. These renderings were developed by RIOS design collective and help visualize what the site could look like 5 years after project implementation.