Conservation Foundation of Gulf Coast invites public to join Myakka restoration initiative
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is seeking volunteers to contribute to an ongoing effort to support, restore, and enhance the Myakka wetlands region.
The not-for-profit land trust recently embarked on a river restoration project at their 432-acre Myakka Headwaters Preserve – where seven creeks converge to form the Myakka River. More than 15,400 plants of 27 species were planted, including 2,000 coreopsis, the Florida loosestrife, nearly 1,000 wetland trees from 10 species, and 9,000 plugs of a wetland grass called maidencane.
The restoration effort is seeking volunteers on April 21 from 9-11:30 a.m. Volunteers will primarily be planting native trees and wildflowers and should be capable of working outdoors on uneven terrain for the duration of the visit. The most challenging aspect will likely be the uneven terrain and hot/cold weather conditions.
“The Conservation Foundation’s work goes far beyond protecting land,” foundation president Christine Johnson said. “It’s also our responsibility to ensure the land we conserve is well managed and, when possible, restored, for the benefit of both the people and wildlife living here in Southwest Florida.”
Following the volunteer activities, there will grilled hotdogs for a potluck picnic lunch. Vegetarian options can be provided upon request.
The plantings will help improve water quality, capture sediment, and reduce erosion. They will also increase wildlife habitat for many species, including largemouth bass and common snapping turtle, Johnson said. Support for the effort came from several community partners, including Beautiful Ponds Inc., Blackbeard Ranch, Sandhill Native Growers, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
This spring, with support from the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation and the Arbor Day Foundation, the Conservation Foundation plans to plant 10,000 more trees, expanding habitat and creating better streams and woods for fish and game throughout the Myakka region. There will be multiple volunteer days and on-the-land educational events, allowing participants to connect with nature and experience this stunning landscape firsthand.
The Myakka Headwaters Preserve is part of the growing Southwest Florida Wildlife Corridor, a land conservation initiative stretching from south Tampa Bay to the Everglades and connecting to the more well-known Florida Wildlife Corridor. These lands provide vital habitats for plants and animals, help capture pollution, act as natural buffers along coasts and riverbeds, and absorb rainfall from intense storms.
Learn more and RSVP for upcoming opportunities at conservationfoundation.com/myakkarestoration.
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature by working with landowners, businesses, and government. A nationally accredited land trust, the foundation purchases natural areas, holds voluntary land protection agreements, and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. Learn more at conservationfoundation.com.
Submitted by Sam Valentin
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Restoration project underway at 432-acre Myakka Headwaters Preserve
