Indian River Lagoon Rookery Restoration Improves Habitat For FL Threatened Species - Indian River County
On December 16, 2025, the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves Division of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, environmental nonprofit GreenSpace Water Alliance, and agricultural partner Plant Life Farms collaborated to implement a habitat restoration initiative on an Indian River Lagoon spoil island designated as a Conservation Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This coordinated effort restored and expanded vital habitat for multiple Threatened Species of wading birds, strengthening the long-term ecological resilience of the estuary.
A Special thank you to all the GreenSpace Water Alliance donors, volunteers, and cheerleaders who made this project possible and successful.
Installation Directive Completed
Cleared large volume of Highly Invasive Brazilian Peppertrees from the island.
5 buttonwood bushes installed.
5 large buttonwood trees installed.
To avoid disturbance to nesting wading birds and seabirds, all planting and restoration activity was conducted during the non-breeding season.
*This project restores essential habitat structure, protects biodiversity, enhances safety for wading birds, and improves foraging and nesting conditions—creating the foundation for numerous species to thrive.
~Fundraising efforts will begin to acquire up to 60 more buttonwoods for installation on the island after the next nesting season concludes.
Acknowledgements
The project was implemented thanks to the support provided by:
~Plant Life Farms
~FDEP IRL Aquatic Preserves
~GreenSpace Water Alliance Donors & Volunteers
Help protect our wading birds.
Please consider making an end-of-year contribution to help advance this project in 2026. 60 more buttonwood trees/bushes are needed.
Indian River Lagoon Spoil Island IR26B is designated as a Conservation area due to its importance as a rookery for many species of wading birds, as well as providing habitat to Threatened Species, such as Roseate Spoonbill and Tricolored Heron. This small island is a biodiversity gem of Indian River County, within the Indian River Lagoon. With your help, we can continue to ensure the productivity and success of this important rookery for generations to come.
The Threatened Inhabitants Of Island IR26B - Conservation Area, Thank You!
Wading birds, Tricolored Herons and Roseate Spoonbills, are considered Threatened in Florida, meaning they receive special protection under state conservation rules (in addition to federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act). Unfortunately, in Florida, their populations have declined enough that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists them as Threatened due to habitat loss, disturbance at nesting sites, hydrology changes, pollution, algal blooms, seagrass loss, and other pressures.
Why Brazilian Peppertree Removal Matters
Removing Invasive Brazilian Peppertrees from Indian River Lagoon conservation areas is critical because they directly degrade habitat quality. This invasive species can alter island form and hydrology, destabilize shorelines, and negatively impact inundation patterns that are vital for nesting and foraging. Peppertrees form dense, monotypic thickets that crowd out native plants and mangroves. By displacing native plants, peppertrees simplify the food web. Native vegetation supports the small fish and invertebrates wading birds depend on. Fewer native plants → fewer prey → lower foraging success, especially during nesting season when energy demands are highest.
The payoff of removal:
Restored native plant communities (mangroves/buttonwoods)
Improved nesting success
Healthier fish and invertebrate populations
Greater resilience to storms, sea-level rise, and water-quality stressors
Visible, measurable conservation gains
Peppertree removal is foundational. Without it, threatened wading birds lose the habitat structure, food base, and safety they need to persist in the Indian River Lagoon.
Your end-of-year support can spark even more meaningful projects next year.
To make a donation by mail: Please make checks payable to GreenSpace Water Alliance and send to: GreenSpace Water Alliance, 5445 Murrell Rd, Ste 102, Rockledge, FL 32955.
We hope this project inspires you to stay involved, spread the word, and continue caring for the wildlife, waterways and green spaces that sustain us all. Thank you for showing up, for giving so much, and for being part of the solution.
With heartfelt appreciation and gratitude,
