Wildflower Preserve Update.
The habitat restoration project at Lemon Bay Conservancy’s Wildflower Preserve is continuing to move ahead. Muddy conditions after recent rains have delayed site work for short periods, but the rains have not caused major delays.
In the past month, work has started on expansion of the freshwater ponds on the eastern side of the preserve. Old underground pipes that connected the ponds when Wildflower was a golf course are being removed and above ground flow ways are being created. Additionally, several ponds are being expanded with more gently sloping sides. In the weeks ahead, native wetland plants will be placed along the pond edges to help filter the water and remove excess nutrients before it flows out of Wildflower and into Lemon Bay.
The two photos below, taken on July 26, 2018 and August 25, 2020, provide a perspective on the significant expansion of the preserve wetlands, both in the freshwater areas (left side in photos) and the estuarine areas (right side). Both pictures were taken looking to the south. That’s Gasparilla Pines Boulevard running along the bottom edge of the photos.
Wildflower Preserve is owned by Lemon Bay Conservancy. This major restoration project is funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (the District), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Lemon Bay Conservancy (LBC) members and donors. The District is also providing project management.
To find out more about LBC or to contribute to our ongoing environmental efforts call the office at 941-830-8922.
