McGregor Preserve restoration underway
Recently, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) leaders met with officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to review plans to restore the McGregor Preserve in Fort Myers. The SCCF reported that following the removal of debris, it has plans to plant red, white and black mangroves and other native salt marsh species to restore the tidal habitat. It is working with the DEP to evaluate the best methods, based on current research, for returning the mangrove forest to a viable habitat following the extreme damage and saltwater inundation from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. The SCCF noted that volunteer plantings will be announced by Coastal Watch once the debris removal is completed and the conditions are right.