On Feb. 27, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (FKWBC) teamed up with the Invasive Species Task Force to remove invasive plants along the highway corridor of the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier.
The Florida Keys Invasive Task Force is addressing invasive species management within the Keys. The alliance works to address prevention, early detection, rapid response, monitoring, management, education and awareness of invasive species across boundaries. The mission is to coordinate and increase efforts to eliminate non-native plants and invasive animals by combining programs and resources.
The task force is composed of biologists, planners and natural resource managers from local, state, federal, non-profits, public utilities and concerned citizens. Agency volunteers who participated were Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Monroe County Land Steward, Nature Conservancy, Florida State Parks, FKWBC staff/volunteers and Webber, the FDOT contracted company.
The prime targets for removal were the following invasive species: lead tree (Leucana leucocephala), fast growing and drought-tolerant and Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), one of the most aggressive and widespread invasive plants in Florida. The plants were removed and remaining roots were treated with a targeted herbicide. Seed pods from the lead tree were removed from all trimmings and disposed of properly so that they do not spread. Webber picked up all the landscaping debris.
In a few months, FWC will check and treat any invasives that have re-sprouted and remove any invasives that were missed during the work day.
The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is a prime location for invasive plant removal as it is sandwiched between two state-owned properties that FWC manages. FWC has planned efforts for a contracted company to remove invasive plants from their state lands. Therefore, this effort will create a considerable tract of land that will remain wild with native vegetation.
