The 10th annual volunteer project from Tourism Cares will aim to restore the Pensacola Lighthouse and Bayou Texar in Pensacola, Fla. on March 30. Registration is now open online at www.tourismcares.org/volunteer
The Pensacola Lighthouse is a major Florida landmark that has stood over Pensacola Bay since 1859, and it is still in use today. Volunteers will aid the Pensacola Lighthouse Association by painting the exterior and interior, landscaping and helping with parking lot upgrades to reverse damage done by elements and accommodate an ever-increasing flow of visitors.
“The whole Pensacola Bay area is an ecological and historic treasure. Having bounced back from the scourges of a devastating oil spill, the area needs our help in bringing help and attention to its history, beauty and welcoming community,” said Bruce Beckham, executive director, Tourism Cares.
Volunteers will also work with The Ecosystem Restoration Section of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Northwest District, the City of Pensacola, Clean and Green and the Bayou Texar Foundation, to help install native, wetland vegetation and oyster reefs along the shoreline at Bayou Texar. This project will stabilize the shoreline, enhance and restore natural habitats and create a natural filtration system for runoff and pollutants.
Previously, Tourism Cares projects have helped New York and New Jersey’s Ellis Island, New Orleans both before and after Katrina, Gettysburg, Angel Island in San Francisco Bay and most recently Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT.
Visit www.tourismcares.org
