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