Local environmental groups are banding together to assist the Ecosphere Restoration Institute, The City of Tampa, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, and the South Seminole Heights Civic Association in installing native plants at Ignacio Haya Linear Park. The goal is to create a living shoreline and return the area to a healthy, thriving watershed.

Blue-Green Connections is teaming up with Ol’ Salty Souls, The Water Warrior Alliance, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to offer logistical support and assistance. Volunteers are needed to help plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses, in the designated areas. If the project is completed early, a clean-up of the park is scheduled. As part of the day’s goals, the groups plan on cleaning up an overgrown drainage ditch and returning it to a meandering stream.

The groups will provide all supplies necessary, so volunteers need only bring their green thumbs.

Ecosphere Restoration Institute has been working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area to restore and improve wetlands, coastal areas and return the area to a thriving, healthy watershed. By partnering with local environmental groups, they can gain access to a wider group of volunteers to achieve their mission.

Parking is available along North River Boulevard and North Osborne Avenue, but carpooling is recommended.