Cedar Key, Florida, is a place where land and water blur. For centuries, these low-lying islands on Florida’s stormy Big Bend have relied on a delicate barrier of salt marshes, shoreline plants, and native trees to hold back the sea. But with recent severe storm surges and sea-level rise, the natural buffer of these keys has taken a beating.

The story of how the community decided to fight back doesn't begin in a sterile boardroom or a government office. Instead, it started the way many of the best ideas in Cedar Key do: over a cold beer.

One afternoon, Dr. David Clark, a professor of Horticultural Sciences at the University of Florida, was sitting at the bar at Bonish Thirst Emporium, chatting with the owner, Pat Bonish.

As they talked about the visible toll recent storms were taking on the outer keys, the two hit on a simple solution: what if they just started replanting them?

Right then and there, they struck a classic Cedar Key deal. David would use his academic and horticultural expertise to source the plants. Pat would use his deep local roots and community connection to rally the volunteers and the boats.

From that single conversation, ReCedar Key (operating under Save Our Shores) was born—a grassroots, community-driven 509(a)(2) nonprofit determined to restore the historic, protective canopy of the Cedar Keys.

The island group didn't get the name "Cedar Keys" by accident—it was once dominated by sprawling southern red cedars. Historically, heavy logging for the pencil industry in the late 19th century decimated these populations and subsequent hurricanes and storms were the final blow. ReCedar Key’s core mission is to return these native trees, along with companion species, to their rightful places on the islands.

In their landmark Spring 2025 planting campaign, volunteers successfully planted:

These trees were positioned in clustered arrangements and rows along elevated sand ridges on North Key and Seahorse Key to give them the best chance of surviving incoming tides.

Trees alone cannot save an island. To prevent the sandy soil from washing away before the trees can take deep root, ReCedar Key utilizes a diverse ecosystem approach.

During Fall 2024, seeds were gathered from native shoreline companion plants right from the islands. The seeds were cultivated to produce 6,000 additional shoreline plants, which were then inter-planted around the young cedar and oak trees between March and June 2025. This creates a dense, multi-layered root system that anchors the shoreline and cushions the young trees.

Restoring wild islands with zero modern infrastructure is a massive logistical puzzle. True to Pat and David's original pact, the project relies on a blend of community muscle and modern science:

Replanting wild, storm-swept islands is notoriously difficult, and coastal restoration projects often brace themselves for heavy losses. When ReCedar Key launched, the team realistically prepared for a harsh reality: up to a 50% plant loss rate in the grueling coastal environment.

But now, a year after those intensive planting campaigns, the results are in—and they are nothing short of spectacular.

The team has been incredibly, pleasantly surprised to find that they did not suffer the anticipated 50% loss. Instead, a high majority of the plantings have successfully taken root and are becoming well-established. These young cedars, oaks, and shoreline companion plants are holding their ground, locking in the soil, and actively building the resilient, green buffers that Cedar Key so desperately needs.

Thanks to a perfect mix of Dr. Clark’s horticultural strategy, the relentless energy of Pat’s volunteer navy, and the sheer grit of native Florida flora, the namesake trees of the Cedar Keys are officially making their comeback.

To date they have planted almost 20,000 plants. 7,000 cedars, 1,500 oaks, and over 11,000 dune plants. (The native dune plants are: dune sunflower, panic grass, sea oats, Seaside goldenrod, Christmas berry, High tide bush, and railroad vine.)

This project succeeds because of people like you. Whether you want to donate from afar or get your hands dirty on the water, there are three great ways to support the cause today:

Every cedar sapling and oak seedling relies on community funding to grow. You can make a tax-deductible donation directly to the project online.

Stay in the loop on upcoming restoration maps, project updates, and seasonal planting schedules.

Got a boat, some strong shoulders, or just a desire to spend a morning helping restore our outer keys?