Sandalhaven Crossing Wetland Planting
Update
By: Dana Houkal
Initial Field Survey of Sandalhaven Creek Crossing Wetland Planting – 8/19/2026
A qualitative field survey was conducted of the wetland planting at the Sandalhaven Creek Crossing on August 19, 2026. The objective of the survey was to assess the initial survival and performance of the twelve plant species that were planted on July 7, 2026.
Figure 1 shows the final planting design.
Alligator Flag: Bare root condition was poor at planting but are now producing healthy new leaves.
Coastal Spikerush: 30 clumps were planted in open water habitat. Unable to visually survey at this date.
Duck Potato: 125 were planted at the upper part of the low marsh habitat. Good survival south of the crossing.
Fakahatchee Grass: Good condition when planted. All good when surveyed.
Golden Canna: Arrived as small seedlings grown in planting trays. Survival is high and the plant condition is good.
Leather Fern: Good condition when planted. All five plants are vigorous, producing new foliage.
Sea Grape: All plants are healthy and producing new leaves.
Soft Rush: Condition of the bare root plants was poor at planting. Survival is poor and few plants have visible green leaves.
Virginia Blue Flag: 125 plants were planted in the upper portion of the high marsh habitat. New leaves are sprouting from underground tubers.
Wax Myrtle: Plants planted on the east side of creek are in good condition, but the ones planted on the west side could not be located due to tall and dense weed growth.
White Water Lily: Floating leaves of several plants were visible when surveyed.
Discussion and Recommendations: The initial survival and performance of most species was good with the exception of soft rush and coastal spikerush. Two factors, the initial condition when received and the long holding period before planting because of drought conditions, had a negative impact on plant quality.
Weed competition at the Preserve is also a serious issue. Additional weed control measures may be needed in 2027. Elevated salinity levels in surface water may adversely affect the wetland planting at the Sandalhaven Creek Crossing. It is recommended that periodic monitoring of survival and performance of the planting be continued through the end of the 2027 growing season.