Continuing Hurricane Ian Recovery

We continue to work on Hurricane Ian recovery projects at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve.Thanks to persistent follow-up by volunteer Coke Wilson, we were able to get a fencing company onsite in July to complete repairs to the parking lot gates and fencing that were seriously damaged by the
hurricane. Earlier this month, professional tree trimmers spent two and a half days at the preserve cutting large dead pine trees and hanging limbs. A primary goal of this work is safety. Damaged trees far from trails or neighboring condos are being left as is. Felled trees are moved away from trails and grassy areas, but are left onsite to serve as wildlife habitat.

This is the second round of professional trimming work at the preserve. And, it’s in addition to the major volunteer efforts reported previously. Unfortunately, it is not likely to be the last tree work required as we are continuing to see many of our mature slash pines die from the significant twisting forces of the storm and invading insects. Other repair work still to be completed includes replacement of trail and informational signs lost or
damaged in the storm. To date, we have spent more than $22,000 in unreimbursed hurricane recovery expenses.

As mentioned, we anticipate additional tree work and sign costs yet to come. Thank you to everyone who has sent in a special gift to help us with the recovery work! If you’d like to send a contribution to help, please see the donation link later in this email.