The Mangrove Mosaic: An Ecological Landscape Design Strategy for Everglades City's Climate Adaptation and Phased Transition Amidst Sea-level Rise

Abstract

Mangrove-based systems have significant potential to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities by protecting the coastline and adapting to rising sea levels. To explore ways to enhance the unique capabilities of mangroves, an action plan was implemented in Everglades City, Florida, chosen as a focused site. Located at the intersection of major ecological reserves and facing serious threats from significantly higher sea level rise, Everglades City presents ecological and cultural challenges as well as opportunities for land-use transformation. The project aims to restore natural hydrology in a historically disturbed landscape through ecological design strategies. The first step is to restore natural hydrology and appropriate salinity levels to support healthy mangrove growth and ecosystem function. A key part of the project involves "supercharging" mangroves by restoring the coastal mangrove belt and using a combined double-breakwater and Thin-Layer Placement (TLP) method to capture and retain sediments. The thesis also examines adaptation pathways for residents by exploring how mangrove restoration, migration corridors, community-driven decision-making, and long-term resilience planning can collectively create a sustainable future for Everglades City amid increasing climate change challenges.