CAPTIVA ISLAND CLIMATE RESILIENCY

EDD is developing a coastal meadow restoration and an integrated water and wastewater management plan for the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation campus on Captiva Island, Florida.

The property is at a low elevation relative to sea level and therefore vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including regular flooding due to sea level rise, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. The project combines multiple water management strategies to promote climate resiliency, water reuse, and ecological restoration. In the first phase of the project, EDD conducted groundwater monitoring to determine the effect of precipitation and tidal elevations on groundwater and the ability of the property to drain. With that data, EDD is working to develop a drainage plan within a coastal meadow restoration. The plan includes development of native meadow and shoreline habit, including mangroves, to promote ecological restoration and resiliency to coastal flooding. EDD is working in parallel with architecture firm WXY to develop on-site wastewater treatment and rainwater reuse systems for the residences and artist studios on the campus. These measures will promote the long-term resiliency of the property and its continued use as an artist’s residency.