Typical Enhancement

The island goes through a progression as it is enhanced. First the island is cleaned of any debris and trash. Next, the targeted exotics are killed. If camp sites are desired, the exotics (usually Brazilian Pepper) are cut down and stacked for firewood. The final step is converting the open areas into camping and picnicking areas by adding fire pits, picnic tables, and benches. In some cases, native plants might be put on site. Australian pine shade trees, although invasive are left in place until native plants can establish a canopy in the camping ground. We typically choose Saturdays for the enhancement efforts. However, all work and no play is not much fun at all! After the work is completed many people enjoy fishing, or just relaxing and taking in the scenery. Others may continue their stay and camp overnight.

T-shirts are provided for all who participate in the event!

We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from October thru April and have a volunteer appreciation day in May. We will meet at the designated boat ramp at 8:00am and will return by 12:30pm. Campers must register their vehicles prior to overnight parking. Please check the schedule of events page for times and locations and the message board for recent updates.

2011-2012 Spoil Island Enhancement Projects
BC47

Last season, BC47 was the site of substantial enhancement efforts. Through an adoption partnership with Florida Institute of Technology, students removed exotics, added native plants, and erected an educational kiosk. IRLAP staff and volunteers also conducted a stabilization experiment along an eroding scarp on the north side of the island. This season our goal is to continue to remove exotics to create more recreation space, as well as monitor the stabilization experiment and planted natives.

IR36

IR36 was the main project site two years ago. The island underwent a complete exotic removal, trail blazing, and native planting. This season, we will continue to maintain trails, remove resprouting exotic plants, and monitor the planted natives.

SL3

Over the past several months, SL3 has undergone large scale enhancement efforts. Contractors have removed all the exotics from the island and replanted the areas with native vegetation. Campsites, which were previously overgrown with exotics and in disrepair, will be refurbished with trails connecting each site. Although major construction is almost finished the island continued maintenance monitoring of the newly added plants, and diligent removal of any exotics that resprout. See pictures above from the project completion (left) and approximately 1 year later (right).