Page 15 - Talk of Tequesta - January '24

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 15

CommissioNer’s uPdaTe

Mangrove Islands Provide Essential Habitat

By Commissioner Maria Marino

From the southern end slightly higher elevations,
of Palm Beach County in and white mangroves grow
the Intracoastal Waterway further upland.
(ICW), up through the Lake Recently, I had the
Worth Lagoon, continuing pleasure of participating
north to the Loxahatchee in the opening of Sawfish
River, mangrove islands Island, a restoration project
serve a valuable function. completed by Palm Beach
They recycle nutrients, County’s Department of
provide essential food Environmental Resources
chain resources, and Management in partnership
provide habitat for many with the Florida Inland
wildlife species. Additionally, they serve as storm buffers, Navigation District, and
stabilizing shorelines with their roots from wind, waves the Loxahatchee River
and erosion, and enhancing water clarity. Preservation Initiative
This type of ecosystem occurs in areas of these waters through the Florida
where strong ocean Department of Environmental
wave action is absent Protection, agencies that
and where salt and provided essential funding
fresh water mix. Soils for the work.
are sandy, nutrient Sawfish Island is located in the ICW, just offshore from paddlers. By the way, if you enjoy canoeing, kayaking or
rich, and usually the Town of Jupiter’s Sawfish Bay Park. The island served paddleboarding, you can find information on all county
oxygen deficient, for stockpiling dredge material, also known as spoil. launching facilities at Parks and Recreation – Boating
and make up one of The removal of invasive trees and plants was required to (pbc.gov).
the most productive restore the island to a more native ecosystem. Fill material The county’s environmental programs include
nursery habitats for was excavated and repurposed to create additional tidal volunteer recruitment to plant mangroves, remove
fish, shellfish, birds, habitat at the Tarpon Cove Restoration Project in the Lake exotic plants, and clean up trash, allowing residents to
and other estuarine Worth Lagoon. help create a legacy of conservation. If you would like
wildlife. Of the three In all, the restoration project added six acres of to become involved in our stewardship programs, click
species of mangroves mangroves, over one-half acre of tropical hardwood on Environmental Resources Management Get Involved
found in Florida, hammock, and one-third acre of wetland habitat. (pbcgov.org) or call (561) 233-2400.
red mangroves Additionally, they created two connected coves to As always, if I can be of assistance to you, please
grow along the encourage tidal flushing and water flow throughout contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@
water’s edge, black Sawfish Island. This provides a refuge for fish, birds, and pbcgov.org.
mangroves grow on other species, and enhances recreational opportunities for

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The Leapfrog Group has once again recognized Jupiter Medical Center as a Top Hospital, an elite honor for
select hospitals that meet the nation’s most stringent standards for safety and quality. At Jupiter Medical
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Visit jupitermed.com to learn more about our 2023 Top Hospital designation.