Master Gardener Lecture Series

The 56^th Master Gardner Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, February 2^nd, at the Sanibel Library at 10:00 a.m.

                Holly Downing and James Evans of Sanibel’s Department of Natural Resources will discuss and illustrate the status of recently completed projects, describing current programs underway as well as future projects scheduled for Sanibel. These include completion of Pond Apple pond restorations, the Sanibel Community Park trail, the Bailey Beach restoration a comprehensive report on the status of three golf courses – The Sanctuary, Beachview and The Dunes – compliance with the city’s Fertilizer Ordinance, an update on the Sanibel Bayou project, pursuing and implementing state and federal water resource grants and creating a comprehensive storm water management plan for our island.

                Additionally the department continues to focus on habitat restoration and exotic plant eradication. The department is responsible for monitoring the ecosystems on Sanibel such as the beaches, dunes, wetlands and city preserves, and partners with the Vegetation Committee to educate the landscape workers regarding fertilization regulations and removal of exotic vegetation such as Brazilian Pepper and Air Potato.

                The Department of Natural Resources also inspects all properties for exotic vegetation and the proper ratio of native plants when permits are pulled for commercial or residential development. The department also applies for and receives many county, state and federal grants which greatly reduce the cost of the city’s projects. And if that were not enough, they monitor invasive animal species such as iguanas, nile monitor lizards and coyotes. Admission is free and open to the public, but plan to arrive a little early as seating is limited.

Sanibel-Captiva Island January 20, 2012