NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department, Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful, the Department of Natural Resources, and countless community members joined together yesterday at the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve to take the next step in building a living shoreline at the newly constructed bulkhead.
The 182 Manufactured Wire Reefs were positioned along the shoreline with the intent to provide a habitat favorable for oysters
which, once established, will help capture water-borne sediment and assist in the creation of an erosion resistant natural shoreline.
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, Jim Grainger, expressed his excitement, "It’s just so cool seeing these volunteers engaged and participating in a project like this. This many folks giving their time and energy out of respect and concern for the environment really does strengthen the sense of community for all of us here in North Myrtle Beach. Those who participated met some really interesting people and made new friends throughout the process. A special thank you to Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful for linking their volunteer base with the Parks and Recreation Department to make it all possible!"
The next step will come late April, early May when the Parks and Recreation Department and Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful plants approximately 6,000 native plants in Heritage Shores Nature Preserve. The plants along with the oyster baskets will work together to take root and the sediment will fill in. The City of North Myrtle Beach and the Department of Natural Resources will continue to monitor this area.
Anyone interested in joining that effort can learn more by calling 843-281-3732, or by emailing knmbb@nmb.us.