The Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society received a grant from Florida Power and Light and Audubon Florida to enhance migratory and resident bird habitat and forage in Pond Apple Park. It partnered with city’s Natural Resources Department and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation on the project.

A total of 270 native plants, selected from the Audubon Native Plant list and purchased from the SCCF Native Plant Nursery, were planted under a canopy of native trees that lacked understory vegetation. The plants included a variety of native shrubs and groundcovers that produce berries or host insects that are important to bird diets.

San-Cap Audubon noted that studies have shown that native plants are a key tool in increasing bird diversity and abundance as they provide food, shelter and protection for birds and insects. Choosing to only fill one’s landscape with non-native plants creates food deserts for birds and insects.

A sign acknowledging the multi-agency partnership was installed on the park trail and provides educational information about the important role of native plants for birds.