Tree Planting - Vital Indian River Lagoon Restoration
Dear Lagoon and Wildlife Advocates,
The continuation of a vital Indian River Lagoon restoration project is scheduled by the FDEP, IRL Aquatic Preserves team, to begin on November 18, 2025; however, the project requires a little extra boost for success, and unfortunately, time is of the essence.
The goal is to raise $2,000 to help complete the project and provide the remaining trees and support needed for successful installation.
This project will restore and increase habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).
Indian River Lagoon Spoil Island BC49 is a Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) due to its importance as a rookery island for many species of wading birds and seabirds, as well as providing habitat to other Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as diamondback terrapins and banded tulip snails.
This 6-acre island in Brevard County, within the Indian River Lagoon, is a biodiversity hotspot and popular recreation area. Due to impacts from storms, along with illegal cutting, this island has lost a significant area of mangroves and trees. These trees are critical as screening cover, foraging, and nesting habitat for numerous species to thrive.
Meet the known inhabitants of Island BC49-Critical Wildlife Area.
Bat species identified through acoustic monitoring: Big Brown Bats, Lasiurine, Myotis, Evening, Tri-colored, and Free-tailed Bats.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ~Diamondback Terrapins and Banded Tulip Snails: Are wildlife species that require conservation attention due to low and declining populations, vulnerability, or other risk factors. These species are identified in Florida's Wildlife Action Plan. They are prioritized for conservation efforts because they are at risk, and conservation actions can help them.
Nesting seabirds and wading birds: Brown Pelican, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, White Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant, and Glossy Ibis.
*Due to the high number of nesting birds on this island, large mangrove and buttonwood trees will be installed to avoid damage by nesting birds. Larger trees also fill in the canopy at restoration areas providing nesting substrate and cover for birds sooner, and have an increased likelihood of survival. To avoid disturbance to nesting wading birds and seabirds, all planting activity is conducted during the non-breeding season.
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,
