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| 2 Aug 2025 | |
| Written by Kathryn Gallagher | |
| Volunteers in Action |
“Volunteers needed to plant 1,000 slash pine seedlings at Lemon Creek/Wildflower Preserve on June 18, 19, and 20.”
That Lemon Bay Conservancy Newsletter post caught the attention of members of the GFWC Rotonda West Woman's Club. The club partners with the Conservancy often: greeters for Wildflower Preserve Exploration Days, Oyster Shell Stringing projects, and inviting speakers from Lemon Bay Conservancy for informative talks at General Meetings.
Founded in 1971 in Charlotte County, FL, 501c3 Lemon Bay Conservancy Mission protects wildlife and natural habitats of Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and watersheds through land preservation, restoration, water quality initiatives, environmental education, and advocacy for sustainable conservation policies. In 2010, with generous donations by area residents, the Conservancy purchased the former Wildflower 80-acre golf course to restore the property to its natural state. In 2021, the $2.1 million restoration Wildflower Preserve project was completed. Repeated hurricanes took a toll on the Preserve; new trees were needed to restore habitat.
Seven club members signed up for the three-day planting period to use a “dibble bar” to open a slot in the ground for each plant, drop the plant into place, and tamp the hole closed…all working uphill! All seedlings were planted; a day ahead of schedule!