New Initiative to Re-Green Sanibel

by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino

Council member John Henshaw has been the driving force behind “Roots in Resilience,” a citizen-driven initiative that seeks to restore and enhance the island’s vegetative character by introducing large, resilient, native trees and complementary vegetation to public roadways damaged or destroyed by recent storms. This long-term effort supports Sanibel’s identity as a sanctuary barrier island and strengthens the community’s ecological resilience.

How long-term is this project? The goal is to plant 50 native trees and other native vegetation every year for the next 50 years. Called “A 50/50 Tree Initiative,” it is also meant to celebrate the City’s 50th anniversary.

“With the 50th anniversary of Sanibel coming to a close, I hope to demonstrate that we are all committed to restoring the true beauty of our subtropical sanctuary island by raising funds to purchase 50 substantial trees and other vegetation each year for the next 50 years,” Henshaw said.

“One of the things that attracted us to Sanibel over 25 years ago was the treed canopy over Periwinkle Way and the lush greenery across the entire island, giving Sanibel a lush, subtropical feel,” Henshaw explained.

“With hurricanes Charley and now Ian, we understand better now what vegetation is more resilient to high winds and high water. I want to bring that subtropical feel back to Sanibel, so others see the true beauty of our sanctuary island,” said Henshaw.

“This sustained effort will help rebuild the island’s natural canopy, replenish critical habitat, improve storm resilience, and reinforce Sanibel’s environmental legacy for future generations,” wrote City Manager Dana Souza in a November 30 memo.

The initial project will be the Causeway Boulevard Corridor. Future projects include Lindgren Boulevard, segments of Periwinkle Way, beach accesses, and segments of Sanibel Captiva Road.

Private donations will be raised through a public-city partnership model to support the annual purchase of native plant materials, Souza continued.

Roles and responsibilities include:
• Native tree and vegetation selections will be jointly recommended by the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and the City’s Natural Resources Department.
• The City of Sanibel will be responsible for purchasing, planting, and maintaining all trees and vegetation using donated funds.
• Donated funds will be managed by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands consistent with donor intent, transparency, and City requirements.

The City may independently budget funds to assist with the re-greening of Sanibel as funding allows. The fiscal year 2026 capital improvement budget includes $250,000 for Causeway Boulevard and Periwinkle Way landscape improvements.

Roots in Resilience will kick off its fundraising efforts at a “Green Gala” on Saturday, December 20, at 6 p.m. at BIG ARTS. General Admission tickets are $175, with sponsorships available.

The evening includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a special screening of “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries,” created by Council member Laura DeBruce. The film chronicles Sanibel before and after Hurricane Ian, highlighting the island community’s strength, resiliency, and spirit.

Sponsorships are available by contacting kathrynsisson6@gmail.com. In the spirit of the program, sponsors suggest you wear green (optional, of course).

City Council voted unanimously to approve the Roots in Resilience Fundraising Agreement to Establish a Pass-Through Fund between the City, the Roots in Resilience founders, and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, thereby authorizing fundraising activities to improve public roads and space.

“Many of us landscape our properties to beautify our homes or enhance property values,” Henshaw concluded. “The goal of this project is to do the same for our rights-of-way and other public lands, thereby enhancing the beauty of our subtropical sanctuary island.”