Curry Creek Preserve Restoration Project Your neighborhood natural area The Curry Creek Preserve (west entrance) restoration project objectives are to improve the gopher tortoise habitat by decreasing the area affected by invasive guinea grass and planting native species in the area. Invasive plants often form a monoculture, which can decrease biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and can potentially alter soil chemistry, stability and hydrology. What is ecological restoration? Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. The primary goal of restoration is to develop self-sustaining ecosystems that closely resemble natural systems in both structure and function.
Restoration activities can include: • • • •
Removal of invasive plant species. Planting of native species. Replicating the natural fire regime with prescribed fire. Hydrologic restoration to restore natural flows of wetland areas.
Benefits of ecological restoration in neighborhood natural areas: • • • • •
Assists in creating and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Increases biodiversity of plant and animal species. Improves water quality. Prevents further degradation of the natural area. Enhances the park visitor experience.
SARASOTA COUNTY Land Acquisition and Management Program
This 113-acre preserve is made up of four properties acquired in 2001, 2002, and 2023 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). The purpose of the acquisitions is to protect native habitat and the water quality of Curry Creek, create and expand the wildlife corridor, and connect adjacent parklands and preserves.
Restoring today for tomorrow’s future! For more info, call 311. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs and activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA