Midday Mobile - Fighting Coastal Erosion the Natural Way with J.J. McCool - August 21, 2026

Sean Sullivan is joined by J.J. McCool of Wildlife Solutions for a fascinating look at wildlife management, coastal restoration, and the growing use of living shorelines along the Gulf Coast.

McCool explains how his crews work on massive habitat-restoration projects stretching from the Gulf Coast across the country—including a recent season in which they planted approximately 2.7 million trees and marsh plants. He takes Sean behind the scenes of planting bald cypress, hardwoods, marsh grasses and other native species in areas that can only be reached by boats, barges and Marsh Masters.

They also discuss restoration work at Robinson Island, the importance of sand fencing and native vegetation in building dunes, and how projects such as living shorelines can help property owners combat erosion while creating valuable habitat for fish, birds, crabs and other wildlife.

J.J. explains why a living shoreline can sometimes be both less expensive and more environmentally beneficial than a traditional bulkhead, how these projects help rebuild lost shoreline, and why working with nature can be more effective than fighting against it.

It’s an entertaining and informative conversation about the wildlife, wetlands and waterways that make the Gulf Coast unique.

Midday Mobile with Sean Sullivan — FM Talk 1065