Restoration

One of the key factors in preserving the natural systems includes ecological restoration of those parts of the property that have been altered. Restoration involves removal of non-native species and replanting with native species that are endemic to the area.

Almost the entire upland portion was cleared over 60 years ago and managed for citrus production. Following abandonment of the groves after the 1989 freeze, the property was densely planted with slash pines for pulpwood production. A major step to restoration involves determining the type of community that existed before that land was cleared and then using this plant community as a target for restoration. Using soils as a basis, it has been concluded that the plant community to be developed here is a Longleaf Pine – Turkey Oak forest.

The interior of the forested wetlands is pristine and requires no restoration other than blocking drainage ditches to restore hydrology. The edges of the wetlands show extensive growth of exotic species which are being removed. The same is true for the shoreline of Lake Apopka.

The restoration process will be on going for a long period of time but a major step has been accomplished by cutting 90% of the dense slash pines and herbicide control of exotic plant species such as castor bean, lantana and chinaberry. While the area looks bad with all the fallen trees, this is an important beginning and will be followed by installation of desirable species. Once the plant community has been restored, the animals adapted for this community will become established. This is an exciting process to follow and a great learning experience for students of all ages.