Joe Rains Living Shoreline Project

Watch it Grow!

The Joe Rains Beach is open to the public! Visit this pocket park at the end of 8th Street in Cedar Key, Florida.

June 15th, 2013
Idea was Born
Mr. Bill Delaino and residents of the Tyree Canal discuss the idea of a canal realignment and living shoreline with Dr. Mark Clark of UF's Soil and Water Science Department
June 15th, 2013
Feb 1st, 2014
Planning and Permitting
Dr. Clark and team collect baseline information and apply to the state and federal governments for permits.
Feb 1st, 2014
Sept 15th 2014
Test Planning
Along with students from the University of Florida, Dr. Clark and team install a small pilot living shoreline as a test.
Sept 15th 2014
Jan 15th, 2017
Permits Granted
After a long wait, the permits for the project are issued and construction of the project can begin!
Jan 15th, 2017
Feb 15th, 2017
Canal Dredging
Realignment of the Tyree Canal provides sand to raise the elevation for the living shoreline and improve access, flushing, and water quality for clam operations in the canal.
Feb 15th, 2017
Feb 25th, 2017
First Marsh Planting
UF students from the Salty Gators Fishing Club came out to plant the first marsh plants at the Joe Rains Living Shoreline.
Feb 25th, 2017
Mar 25th, 2017
More Marsh Planting
The UF Wetlands Club and other UF students come out for a two-day planting event to install more marsh plants.
Mar 25th, 2017
Jul 15th, 2017
Project Monitoring
Throughout the duration of the project, elevation, plant survival, and water quality are being monitored by Dr. Clark and his interns.
Jul 15th, 2017
Nov 15th, 2017
Watch it Grow
The living shoreline site is doing well - the high and low marsh is filling in and oysters are recruiting onto the bags of clam shell. Stop by Joe Rains Beach (at the end of 8th Street in Cedar Key) to check it out for yourself!
Nov 15th, 2017