Now that our major habitat restoration project at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve is complete, responsibility for ongoing management, maintenance and enhancement of the preserve has shifted fully to our Lemon Bay Conservancy team.
One major challenge will be continuing to control the regrowth of invasive species from the seed banks that are present in the soils at the preserve. For 2021, that work is budgeted at $37,000 with an increase expected for next year.
Other expenses include gas, oil, and maintenance for our mowers and power tools; replacement hand tools as those used by our volunteers wear out; liability and hazard insurance; and hog control.
Even though LBC is a non-profit, you may be surprised to learn that taxes remain a major expense. We still must pay the County over $13,000 per year in non-ad valorem taxes on the preserve property.
In addition to the “must do” payments for the preserve, we are continuing to work on adding native plants in additional areas and seeking additional funds to establish an ongoing endowment to ensure the Preserve can be maintained for the long-term.
Please help us address these major funding needs by making your special donation today!
Click here to make your “2021 Preserve Management & Improvement” donation.
You can also donate by calling us at the office at 941-830-8922. Thank you!