As the holiday season fades into the rearview mirror, most of us find ourselves wondering what to do with that once-gleaming Christmas tree that adorned our living rooms. Fear not! The Save Our Beach Association in Surfside Beach has come up with a brilliant solution that not only gives these trees a second life but also plays a crucial role in protecting the coastline.
For decades, the Save Our Beach Association has been at the forefront of a unique initiative that combines post-holiday cleanup with coastal conservation. Enter Dunes Day, an annual event that transforms discarded Christmas trees into beachfront heroes.
The concept is simple but impactful: instead of tossing your tree to the curb, residents are invited to donate them to the cause. This year, the big day is almost here, with volunteers gearing up for the grand event this Saturday.
KPRC 2′s Daji Aswad was on the scene Thursday, capturing the excitement and speaking with Robert Booth, the president of Save Our Beach Association.
Booth explained how Christmas trees help combat coastal erosion, stating, “We are planting the trees on the beach and they’re going to catch sand and create dunes that will help mitigate the effects of the coastal erosion that we see here. The trees are one of the most excellent things for catching the sand and they then hydrate the sand so that vegetation can grow and hold the dunes together.”
Coastal erosion is a serious concern, with some residents losing their homes due to the relentless advance of the shoreline. The Save Our Beach Association aims to combat this issue. Booth emphasized, “What we’re trying to do is to try and conserve a little piece of Texas for everybody to enjoy.”
Now, if you’re itching to be part of this magical transformation, the Save Our Beach Association extends a warm invitation to join the restoration extravaganza. Picture yourself on the sandy shores, standing side by side with community members, staking down and tying down those donated Christmas trees. The goal? Turning them into steadfast guardians of the dunes.
Mark your calendars for Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and rest assured, the association has got you covered. No need to worry about lugging tools or munching on sandy sandwiches – all materials will be provided. And after the hard work is done, a well-deserved meal courtesy of the association awaits.
So, embrace the spirit of community and coastal conservation. Join Dunes Day and be part of the initiative that turns yuletide remnants into nature’s defenders, making Surfside Beach a resilient haven for generations to come.
While the excitement builds for the upcoming Dunes Day, the Save Our Beach Association wants to share a few important reminders with beachgoers. First and foremost, it’s crucial to avoid walking on the dunes. These natural barriers play a pivotal role in protecting the coastline and are home to various wildlife species. Treading on them can cause irreparable damage, not just to the dunes but also to the delicate ecosystems that rely on them.
Additionally, there’s a hidden danger lurking in the dunes – rattlesnakes. Save Our Beach Association emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and respecting the natural habitat.
Lastly, as tempting as it may be to turn those recycled Christmas trees into beach bonfires, it’s a practice the association strongly discourages. Not only is it against the law, but violators can face fines of up to $500 for each tree removed from its designated place on the beach.