By Carolina Espejo
February 2, 2026: The Apalachicola River is a place where the trees, water, and wildlife are deeply intertwined, making it a magical and vital ecosystem. Apalachicola Riverkeeper and Conservation Pathways recently joined forces to contribute to Riverkeeper’s Slough Restoration Project. We had the privilege of planting 30 young cypress trees along Spider’s Cut Slough, an experience that was deeply grounding, connecting us to this unique ecosystem and the vital work it takes to bring it back to health.
As we gathered, Dan Tonsmeire, the project’s on-site construction coordinator, greeted us with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper boat, ready to load up the young cypress trees and head down to the slough. The air was crisp and gentle, neither too hot nor cold, with a soft breeze rustling through the leaves. A perfect day to plant trees!
As we made our way to Spider’s Cut, we passed many old houses and weathered houseboats seemingly slipping into the river. It was clear that some of the aftermath from Hurricane Michael had eaten away the riverbanks, leaving the foundations of these small buildings vulnerable and unsupported. Dan shared the story of the cypress trees and how they play a critical role in this ecosystem. Their root systems filter and purify water, trapping sediments and pollutants, maintaining the clarity and quality of the river. Additionally, they provide essential habitat and shelter for countless species, from wading birds to fish and amphibians. Most importantly to this restoration project, their characteristic “knees” and extensive root systems weave into the fragile riverbanks, anchoring the soil and preventing erosion. These adaptations allow them to withstand inundation and drought cycles. In essence, these trees and the waterways they inhabit can be considered the vital arteries of the whole river basin, sustaining its health and biodiversity.
Unfortunately, due to decades of consistent dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain navigational routes, large mounds of dredged sediments ended up hindering the natural flow of the river, especially during low river levels. In Spider’s Cut Slough alone, 18,000 cubic yards of dredged sand have been excavated. The sediment mounds disrupt the natural hydrologic connectivity which is extremely essential for the floodplain and its sloughs, serving as the pathway for nutrients and energy. Without this flow, habitats degrade, and the resilience of the ecosystem diminishes. The Slough Restoration Project aims to reverse these impacts by restoring the natural hydrology of the river, stabilizing its banks and protecting its rich biodiversity.
When we arrived at Spider’s Cut Slough, we offloaded and started transferring our cypress bare rootstocks onto one of the slough banks. We paced out even intervals along the bank to space the rootstocks carefully before planting, as if we were laying the blueprints for a future forest. Then, the planting began! Each of us took shovels and started digging out holes about the same size as the pots that had nurtured the rootstocks. Once we ensured they were dug deep enough, we emptied the rootstocks and their soil into the holes, then filled the remaining spaces with sand, feeling the cool, damp earth between our fingers as we secured them firmly. Wooden stakes were then hammered in on either side of each sapling, with bright orange tape tied around them to mark their spots and protect the young trees from disturbance. On this side, we planted 12 of the 30 rootstocks before tidying up and moving to the opposite bank to plant the remaining 18.
While we worked on the planting, Dan was hard at work with his surveying equipment. He explained how the survey was intended to draw bathymetric maps of the underwater contours along the slough. The surveys are crucial, helping to confirm whether the restoration is shaping the riverbed as planned, ensuring the water flows naturally once again. This careful measurement of depth and shape guides the restoration’s success and the long-term health of the slough, chosen to maintain water flow even in times of lower river levels. After planting the last 18 of the rootstocks, Dan led us on a tour through the active Restoration Construction Area. We walked through lush, vibrant greenery until we reached another small tributary feeding into the slough. Here, we got to witness firsthand a stark example of how the mounds of sediment fully dammed the flow of water, further underscoring the importance of this restoration work.
As the day wound down, we cleaned up all our equipment and made our way back to the boat landing. There was a quiet satisfaction in the air with our shared sense of accomplishment and hope after engaging in such a task. We didn’t just plant trees, but the seeds of renewal,
with each rootstock representing the commitment to restoring this vital ecosystem. The cypress trees we planted will grow slowly but steadily. Their roots will deepen and trunks will rise, eventually towering over the slough for generations to come. This project is a powerful reminder of how ecological restoration is usually a long journey, thriving on community effort, dedication, and patience. Nonetheless, it is all worth it in the end. It was such a wonderful experience and we are so deeply grateful to Apalachicola Riverkeeper for leading this vital project and allowing us to contribute to its legacy. Together, we helped make a more resilient and vibrant future for Spider’s Cut Slough, and beyond into the entire Apalachicola River Basin.
Carolina Espejo, an intern with Conservation Pathways, is a senior at FSU studying Environmental Science.