Restoration efforts are quickly progressing at the Puschel Preserve on Sanibel. As of July 11, the last of the exotic trees such as Australian pine, javaplum and seaside mahoe had been removed or left in place for cavity-nesting birds.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is leading the restoration project, which is funded by the Florida Forever program. The goal of the project is to restore the preserve to its natural state as a coastal scrub habitat.
In addition to removing the exotic trees, SCCF has also planted native plants, such as saw palmetto, seagrape and cocoplum. These plants will help to restore the preserve’s ecosystem and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
The public will not be able to access the preserve until the restoration is complete. However, SCCF is planning to open a circular public trail off the city’s Shared Use Path in the northern section of the property. The trail will lead to a pollinator garden and scenic overlook onto wetland and sculpture gardens.
The restoration of the Puschel Preserve is a major step forward in the conservation of Sanibel’s natural resources. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, shorebirds, and butterflies. By restoring the preserve to its natural state, SCCF is helping to ensure that these species will have a place to live for generations to come.
