Meet the Mangrove Mama: Lori Vogt’s Journey in Coastal Restoration

Lori Vogt, the Mangrove Mama, dedicated to shoreline protection in Florida

When you imagine Florida’s coastline, you might picture sun-drenched beaches and swaying palms. But for Lori Vogt—known by many as the “Mangrove Mama”—the real treasures are the tangled roots and leafy canopies of the state’s vital mangrove forests. Lori’s journey from curious student to leading environmental consultant is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and a deep love for the natural world.

Florida's mangrove ecosystems serve as nature’s coastal guardians. Photo by Clyde Butcher.

From Classroom Curiosity to Coastal Calling

Lori’s story began at the University of Central Florida, where a spatial imaging class sparked her interest in the fate of Florida’s mangroves. A research paper on mangrove losses opened her eyes to the ecological importance and vulnerability of these unique coastal trees, turning academic curiosity into a lifelong calling.

Returning home to Fort Myers in 1997, Lori dove into hands-on learning, enrolling in the City of Sanibel’s Vegetation Contractor and Professional Mangrove Trimmer trainings. These rigorous programs equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to care for and protect mangroves. By 2000, Lori had earned the prestigious credential of International Certified Arborist—a milestone that cemented her expertise in coastal native vegetation.

Lori Vogt, the Mangrove Mama, dedicated to shoreline protection in Florida

Building Expertise and Breaking New Ground

Lori’s career path led her through various state and local government regulatory roles, where she gained invaluable experience navigating the complex world of environmental policy and compliance. These positions sharpened her understanding of the challenges facing Florida’s coastlines and the critical role of effective regulation in preserving natural habitats.

But Lori wanted to do more than enforce the rules—she wanted to empower others to be part of the solution. That’s why she founded Mighty Mangroves, her own environmental consulting company dedicated to mangrove management and coastal restoration.

Mighty Mangroves: Expertise You Can Trust

Through Mighty Mangroves, Lori offers a wide range of services, including:

• Mangrove trimming, permitting, and planting

• Compliance and violation resolution

• Government correspondence and consent order settlements

• Environmental consulting for a variety of coastal issues

Her team’s deep regulatory knowledge ensures that every project is fully compliant with Florida’s strict mangrove preservation laws. Lori and her certified staff handle the permitting process, site assessments, and all communication with regulatory agencies—so you don’t have to worry about costly mistakes or delays.

Why Work with Mighty Mangroves?

1. Streamlined Permitting: Navigating Florida’s permitting landscape can be daunting. Mighty Mangroves handles the paperwork, regulatory hurdles, and agency correspondence, saving you time and reducing stress.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Lori’s expertise ensures your project meets all legal requirements, minimizing the risk of fines or violations.

3. Tailored Environmental Planning: Whether you’re restoring a shoreline, improving your property’s view, or addressing a compliance issue, Mighty Mangroves develops custom solutions that balance your goals with environmental stewardship.

4. Education and Support: Lori believes in empowering clients. You’ll receive guidance and resources to help you make informed, responsible decisions for your land and the environment.

The Importance of Mangroves

Mangroves are ecological powerhouses. They stabilize shorelines, protect communities from storms, and provide essential nursery habitat for fish, birds, and countless other species. Their dense root systems trap sediment, prevent erosion, and improve water quality—making them vital for both people and wildlife.

Recent research and restoration efforts in Florida, such as those led by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, highlight the ongoing need for community-driven mangrove protection and restoration.

SCCF volunteers replanting mangroves along storm-impacted shoreline Shoreline Restoration at Gulf Harbour | Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

A Vision for Florida’s Future

Lori’s mission is clear: she wants mangroves to be recognized for their immense ecological value and managed with intention and care. Mangroves are more than just trees—they are buffers against storms, nurseries for marine life, and natural filters that keep our waters clean.

She envisions a future where Florida’s coastline—and coastlines around the world—thrive thanks to thoughtful stewardship and a community-wide commitment to restoration. Lori’s story is proof that one person’s passion can ripple outward, inspiring change and nurturing the landscapes we all depend on.

Key Takeaways:

• Lori’s journey began with a college class and grew into a lifelong mission for coastal restoration.

• Her expertise spans hands-on mangrove care, regulatory experience, and environmental consulting.

• Through Mighty Mangroves, Lori empowers others to protect and restore Florida’s vital mangrove ecosystems.

• Her vision is a future where mangroves are valued, protected, and intentionally managed for generations to come.

Ready to protect your piece of paradise?

Learn more about Lori and Mighty Mangroves, or schedule a personalized consultation to get started on your own coastal restoration journey.