The second principle of REM is adaptation, the spontaneous process the juvenile plant initiates when
habituating to the external environment, becoming self-supportive and independent of the encasement
device. Because adaptation is a self-regulated process as the tree matures through its natural stages of
development, seedlings do not suffer from the shock and exposure that often results in mortality when
introduced directly into severe environments that characterize high-energy and eroding shorelines. As
the mangrove completes the adaptation process and habituates to the external environment, the aerial
roots provide stability and nutrients to support a reproductively mature tree.
Empirical Evidence
Riley Encased Methodology®
E-mail: riley@mangrove.org
PO Box 510312
Melbourne Beach, FL
Tel: 321-431-6595
The two photos to the left show a perspective, from the water and
land, of mangroves planted with Riley Encased Methodology®. This
previously eroding shoreline has been stabilized by the mangroves
removing any need to harden the shoreline with bulkhead or riprap.
These mature trees protected the shoreline during the devastating
Florida 2004 and 2005 Hurricane seasons, which included Hurricanes
Jeanne, Frances and Wilma (category 2 and 3 storms). Mangroves
are able to protect shorelines and embankments during severe or in-
clement weather events such as tropical storms and hurricanes.
The photo to the right of the new 'patent pending' encasement device shows a mangrove
that has adapted to the external environment and become independent of the device. The
new encasement design optimizes plant growth and the adaptation process to ensure
long-term results in the most extreme environments. The encasement device is
applicable in large scale reforestation as-well-as local habitat creation and ecosystem
restoration projects.
In mature mangroves, it is difficult to locate any
remnant of the encasement due to shoreline accre-
tion and overgrowth by the tree. The encasement in
the photo,