On Sunday, February 16, VISTA Gardens hosted a transformative volunteer event in our woodland area, where we teamed up with Damon and Ryan from Oyster River Ecology. Their organization focuses on restoring natural habitats, protecting water quality, and engaging communities in conservation efforts. With their expertise and a dedicated crew of VISTA volunteers, we tackled several large non-native trees, including Brazilian pepper, camphor trees, and Chinese fan palms—while also removing Guinea grass and planting lyre leaf sage.
Why Remove These Non-Native Species?
Brazilian Pepper
Environmental Concern: Often referred to as “Florida holly,” Brazilian pepper is notorious for aggressively crowding out native plants and altering natural habitats.
Impact: Its dense thickets can disrupt local ecosystems by preventing sunlight from reaching smaller native species and by reducing food sources for wildlife.
Camphor Trees
Environmental Concern: Camphor trees produce large numbers of seeds that easily spread, quickly taking over natural areas and outcompeting native species.
Impact: Their rapid growth can significantly change soil chemistry, making it more challenging for native plants to thrive.
Chinese Fan Palms
Environmental Concern: Listed among the top 20 non-native palms of concern by the University of Florida’s Assessment of Non-Native Plants and the Florida Invasive Species Council, Chinese fan palms can form dense canopies that hinder native plant growth.
Impact: By dominating forest understories, they diminish biodiversity and disrupt habitats vital for local wildlife.
Preventative Measures for Your Own Home or Garden
Early Identification: Learn to recognize invasive species so you can remove them before they spread.
Proper Disposal: Never toss invasive plant clippings in natural areas; bag them securely to prevent re-rooting.
Plant Native Alternatives: Choose Florida-friendly or native species that support local pollinators and wildlife.
Stay Informed: Consult resources like the UF/IFAS Extension or the Florida Invasive Species Council to stay updated on best practices.
Reestablishing Native Species
One of the most exciting parts of our morning was planting lyre leaf sage. This native Florida plant provides a range of benefits:
Pollinator Support: Its tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Ground Cover: Lyre leaf sage helps prevent erosion and adds greenery to shaded or partially shaded areas.
Low Maintenance: Adapted to Florida’s climate, it requires minimal watering once established, making it an eco-friendly choice.
By introducing more native plants like lyre leaf sage, we help restore the balance in our local ecosystem. Native species create essential food sources and habitats for pollinators and other wildlife, while also maintaining healthy soil and water quality.
A Morning of Fun and Accomplishment
Despite the hard work of removing large trees and hauling debris, our volunteers shared smiles and high spirits throughout the day. We’re immensely grateful to Damon and Ryan from Oyster River Ecology for their guidance and passion for conservation. Their mission to protect water quality and restore habitats aligns perfectly with VISTA’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
This event was a powerful reminder that every effort—big or small—contributes to a healthier environment. By tackling invasive species and replacing them with beneficial natives, we’re setting the stage for Florida’s diverse wildlife and plant life to flourish.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made a real impact in preserving Florida’s natural beauty! If you’re interested in volunteering at VISTA Gardens or learning more about our initiatives, stay tuned for upcoming events or visit our website to see how you can get involved.
Let’s continue working together to cultivate a vibrant, thriving ecosystem in our own backyard.
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