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Sea Oat Planting 12/12/2026

We need your help again! Keep Manatee Beautiful, in partnership with Manatee County Government, will be doing a second round of Sea Oat plantings on Saturday December 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

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Progress Since Our Last Planting

At our last sea oat planting in July 2025, more than 300 volunteers came together to plant an incredible 16,000 sea oats! What could have taken a crew an entire day, or even several days, our volunteers accomplished in just 30 minutes!

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Since then, those tiny green strands have grown into strong, thriving plants! But what we see above the sand is only the tip of the iceberg. Much of their strength lies beneath the surface, where extensive root systems help stabilize our dunes and protect our shorelines.

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It's amazing what a difference just one year can make, and even more incredible to see the lasting impact of our volunteers' hard work!

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Benefits to Sea Oats

Sea oats do so much more than make our beaches beautiful! These resilient native plants play a vital role in protecting our coastlines by trapping windblown sand, building and stabilizing dunes, and helping prevent erosion. Their extensive root systems hold sand in place, creating a natural barrier that helps protect our beaches and coastal communities from storms and storm surge. Sea oats also provide important habitat and food for coastal wildlife, supporting a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. By planting sea oats today, we're helping preserve and protect our beautiful shorelines for generations to come!

2026 Plantings

This year, we're looking for up to 175 volunteers to help us plant 10,000 sea oats along Coquina Beach! Join us on Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m. as we work together to strengthen our dunes and protect our beautiful coastline.

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Please come dressed for hands-on planting, wearing comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and attire appropriate for the weather.

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What to Expect

Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we're excited to have you! No planting experience is necessary. Our team will provide instructions and guidance to help everyone get started. Planting sea oats is a simple but rewarding way to make a lasting difference along our coastline. With enough helping hands, we'll have 10,000 sea oats planted in no time!

ABOUT US 

Keep Manatee Beautiful is a nonprofit organization that inspires community involvement through its commitment to making Manatee County a cleaner and more beautiful environment. Established in Spring 1991 as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Florida Beautiful, Keep Manatee Beautiful has developed networks of volunteers who help provide grassroots solutions to:​

  • Littering

  • Recycling

  • Illegal dumping

  • Beautification

  • Solid waste disposal

CONTACT 

1112 Manatee Ave W. 

Bradenton, FL 34205

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(941) 795-8272


keep@manateebeautiful.com

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