Misery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have brought incredible destruction to our area. Our hearts are with everyone who is dealing with the flooding and destruction from the storms.
While LBC has suffered damages from the storms, our issues are minor when compared to the enormous challenges for everyone dealing with lost or damaged homes and businesses.
LBC Offices Flooded
As previously reported, our LBC office was flooded by Hurricane Helene. Most of our office furniture, supplies, and files were soaked in sea water and debris. We were able to salvage some items that were on countertops, in upper cabinets, and on shelving, and move them to a temporary storage unit.
Our office computer and printer were saved, and our member/donor database and financial records are stored using cloud-based software. So, we will be able to continue LBC operations while we search for a new office space.
The LBC office is closed indefinitely, but we can be reached by phone, at 941-830-8922, or by email, at info@LemonBayConservancy.org.
Damages at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve
Milton’s storm surge reached far inland from Lemon Bay and covered almost all of Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. Normally, the ponds in the eastern and central portions of the preserve are fresh water. After Milton, they are all registering high degrees of salinity.
When we completed our habitat restoration plantings at the preserve, we anticipated periodic high salinity in the western sections of the preserve and chose plantings for those areas that could handle those conditions. However, some of our plants in the eastern and central areas are not salt tolerant, and are unlikely to recover from the surge and the salinity left behind in the soil.
At our shed area, the water reached high enough to partially cover our large, tow-behind trail mower. Our volunteers have taken it to a qualified dealer to see if prompt action can save it from permanent damage.
As those of you who have visited the preserve know, we have recycled plastic benches donated by members, along the preserve trails. They are heavy, weighing over 300 pounds each, but amazingly they float! Milton’s storm surge picked up 30 of our benches, moving some short distances and others hundreds of feet. Our volunteers have found some floating in ponds and others hidden in dense vegetation. Josh Olive, LBC member and Sun Waterline Editor, joined Lary Stuhlmiller, LBC board member and preserve co-chair, at the preserve this past Thursday. They used Josh’s drone to identify four locations where missing benches could not be seen from ground level.
Volunteers are very busy throughout the preserve, working to save plantings, to measure storm impacts, and to ensure trail conditions are safe for visitors. Thank you to all of our incredible preserve volunteers, including: Dana Houkal, Brad Kort, Coke WIlson, Laurie Brenning, Paul Townsend, Maura Qualls, Ann Weaver, Jack Simmonds, Joe Gallagher, Eva Furner, Jane Collingwood, Malcolm Collingwood, and Beth McKinley! A special shoutout to Lary Stuhlmiller for coordinating the preserve recovery efforts!
Guided Nature Walks
This past Saturday, a dozen birders enjoyed a beautiful morning at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, spotting 31 species during their leisurely walk.
In the days ahead, we invite everyone to take some time away from the stresses of hurricane recovery and come out to enjoy a guided walk at the preserve. All guided events are free and open to the public.
The preserve address is 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood , FL 34224.
When visiting the Preserve, closed-toe walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are suggested. A water bottle, camera, and binoculars are also encouraged.
The preserve is also open daily to LBC members to observe nature at your leisure.
Guided Nature Walk at the Preserve
Wednesday, October 23, 8:30 – 10:30 am
Join us at 8:30 am on October 23rd for a casually–paced, guided walk through Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. with guide Susy d’Hont. Enjoy the preserve’s ever changing natural sights and sounds.
“Wildflower 101” – An Introduction to the Preserve
Tuesday, November 5, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Join Paul Townsend for his “Wildflower 101” introductory guided walk, beginning at 9 am. During this short walk at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, you can expect to see upland and wading birds, native and Florida friendly plants, butterflies and other insects, freshwater and brackish pond water environments, and the Labyrinth on the Hill.
