Periwinkle Preserve trail to open soon
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the Periwinkle Preserve trail is getting close to reopening after extensive clean-up efforts post-Hurricane Ian. The heavily forested preserve experienced heavy damage as storm surge killed many of the tropical hardwood trees.
“The upcoming rainy season will show us what vegetation will come back on its own and what we will want to replant,” Wildlife & Habitat Management Program Director Chris Lechowicz said.
Land Conservation Steward Victor Young and field technician Dustin Lucas, as well as volunteers led by Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal, have been clearing the preserve of construction debris, along with dead vegetation. The preserve has a more open look due to the removal of many dead trees.
The 38-acre parcel and adjacent 15-acre Blue Skies Preserve to the south were acquired through a $2.2 million land campaign in 2001. The preserves, which were recently combined by the Lee County tax appraiser, were originally called the Periwinkle-Casa Ybel River Preserve, or PCRP.
After Hurricane Charley in 2004, the remaining Australian pines along the border of the parcel and Periwinkle Way were removed. It was then replanted to help beautify the Periwinkle Way corridor in the absence of the long-standing wall of pines. Trees and shrubs from South Florida and the Keys, such as paradise tree, Jamaican dogwood and cinnamon bark, were chosen to line the Shared Use Path along Periwinkle Way, as well as a new 0.6 mile circular trail through the northern section of the property.
“This heavily wooded area was to act as a source of food and shelter for migratory birds on their annual journey,” Lechowicz said.
The SCCF conducted research on the preserves before restoration began in 2004. A large percentage of the parcels were covered in exotic plants, such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pine, among other exotic species that made it nearly impenetrable. Staff cut trails through the preserve and conducted research comparing restored versus unrestored properties by comparing the diversity and abundance of wildlife species. The research included insects, macro-invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and small mammals.
“Results clearly showed that dense exotic vegetation negatively affected native wildlife species diversity,” Lechowicz said.
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email