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A Walk on the Wild Side
Preserving the Eagle's Nest Area - December 2003
by Charlie Valentine
Paul Semenec, Environmental Specialist
with Sarasota County’s Development Services, Resource Protection;
In late October The Eagle took a (thankfully) guided walking tour through the “preserve” with Paul Semenec, Environmental Specialist with Sarasota County’s Development Services, Resource Protection; the County Division charged with “preserving preserves.”
Although we learned a great deal about flora and some fauna, a casual afternoon stroll isn’t suggested as recreational exercise.
If you like soggy soil, don’t mind tall grass swishing at your eyes, unexpected land depressions (some quite damp), flying insects, ankle biting ants, poison ivy or the potential snake, give it a try. Apply bug repellant and please don’t carry matches or lighters.
The exotic Brazilian pepper tree and muscadine grapevines, two of the most invasive and destructive plants in Southwest Florida, are thriving and proliferating in the Eagle area. There may be a few folks who think if it’s native and growing in an undeveloped area, just let it be. Letting these two varieties just BE would not BE a good idea.
There are at least three large pine trees and two native palm trees literally being consumed by both pepper trees and grape vines. Invasive growth reaches and pervades the canopies, blocking light and potentially inviting destruction by fire. The trees may die due to lack of light while the weight of the invading plants may cause damage.
More dangerous is the threat of fire. If a fire were to break out due to a lightening strike or accident, flames would flash through the vines. If flames travel up, the smallest breeze or length of vine could carry the flame to surrounding trees. Current events in California and the Southwest demonstrate obvious conclusions if such a fire were to occur in The Landings.
As what seemed like a Florida swamp safari continued, I was corrected. We were actually in an area of which a portion is “wetlands.” Much of the area’s vegetation indicate a wetland. We spotted pennywort, “an obligate aquatic wetland species,” according to Semenec. He also discovered a variety of sedges and was surprised when we happened upon an area filled with Water Primrose.
Rodent population is limited due to a snake friendly environment. (Now that’s good and bad news in one sentence). And there is evidence of bobcats and/or raccoons.
Despite occasionally calling the area an Eagle and bird “reserve or preserve,” native and wintering species avoid the spot due to the muscadine vines and pepper trees. They do not nest in trees, shrubs or bushes invaded by the plants. When they feed on the fruit, they become intoxicated. As they travel, they spread fertilized seeds ensuring future growth of more inhabitable plants. So much for nesting instincts!
We also identified the invasive Rosary Pea, Caesar Weed, China Berry trees and Carrot Wood tree. The Carrot Wood and China Berry, Semenec explained, were, ironically, determined to be desirable Florida landscaping “shrub” many years ago. It is now considered a nuisance pest plant species.
We also have undesirable Cogan Grass, lots of poison ivy and one tree tentatively identified as a “lead” tree.
Unfortunately in part of the area we are “preserving” certain undesirable, nuisance and invasive plants. There are no eagles in sight, on site and no evidence of even an abandon nest tp which an eagle might return.
We may also be courting fire.
Periodic mowing of the acreage is essentially increasing, not decreasing, the propagation of all invasive growth. In brief, “Mowing is Sowing.” Semenec explained that since the area is not a “preserve,” mowing is acceptable, but it helps spread seeds and undesirable plants. Left un-mowed, he said, plants and grasses would all reach a maximum height.
During our afternoon jaunt, Semenec spotted two trees scarred by lightning. The bark scars are referred to as “Cat’s Faces.” They indicate severe lightening strikes. This year’s
September storms are responsible for the most recent “Cat’s Face,”
Three families on Kestral Park Terrace paid the price when lightening hit a nearby tree in the “preserve” and traveled through cable lines taking out computers, alarm systems, telephones and televisions.
The older “Cat’s Face” likely occurred during Gabrielle, the September 2001 storm.
Our home on Kestral Park Terrace is built on the Preserve perimeter. We heard and witnessed the lightening strike. Before the deafening echo of the ‘strike” abated two of three stately, old Pine Trees crashed to the ground. The sound and reverberations shook floors and terrified our unflappable dachshund. At least one owl was left homeless.
There are solutions and options.
The LMA can draft a letter to Sarasota County requesting an inspection and assessment of the trees in question. The County will assign a Forester and Environmental Specialist to determine necessary actions to control and or eliminate problem trees.
Future containment of undesirable plants, responsible maintenance, incorporation of long range plans can balance needs and the well being of our community with the land in question.
It is not impossible for an independent group of residents to commit to the task of ridding our “Eagle’s area” of undesirable and invasive growth with consulting experts from Sarasota County. An independent group of residents can request assistance. A Neighborhood Clean Up coalition would work in tandem with County personnel. Semenec went on to say this need not be an expensive project. Work organized and carried out by residents, using over-the-counter herbicides can do the job. It might take more time and effort, but be less expensive, than using a qualified, licensed herbicide applicator permitted to use more potent chemicals.
This writer will be on the outskirts with an insect repellant and beverage stand. Proceeds to benefit future care of our “wilderness area.” My day of wetland walking or swampland slogging, whatever, convinced me experts are known for what they do because they know what they are doing.
Our 7.4 acres need some attention. Semenec describes it as not so far along that problems are incurable. But action should be taken on undesirable growth before it gets out of hand.