Restoration of new preserve to help gopher tortoises
The replanting of the Gretchen C. Valade Preserve, one of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s most recent land acquisitions, has begun. To make space for native vegetation, the SCCF team has been removing invasive exotic plants from the property, including Australian pines, phoenix palms, and mother-in-law’s tongue.
The 2.2-acre preserve is located on the far west end of Sanibel and contains a stretch of tropical hardwood hammock with ephemeral pools for wildlife. Part of the property is an open grassland that will be managed to allow forage for local gopher tortoises. SCCF Land Conservation Steward Victor Young and field technician Dustin Lucas recently planted native trees in the narrow section of the parcel to keep a buffer between residents’ properties and Sanibel-Captiva Road. Several additional sweeps through the property to keep exotic vegetation out will occur throughout the year.
The preserve is named after one of SCCF’s long-time supporters and donors, Gretchen C. Valade.
The acquisition was funded by her family.
“Gretchen was instrumental in getting the Marine Laboratory off the ground in the early 2000s, which led to the deployment of SCCF’s River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON) sensors,” Chief Executive Officer James Evans said. “Gretchen has been a part-time Sanibel resident since 1980, and she and her family are passionate about water quality and conserving the island’s wildlands.”
To donate to the SCCF’s Land Acquisition and Improvement Fund, contact Development Director Cheryl Giattini at cgiattini@sccf.org or 239-822-6121.