VOLUNTEER EVENT: Grassy Waters Preserve

Our REAL Leaders weren’t afraid to get messy at our first volunteer event of the year. On Friday, February 15, our group helped transplant endangered bromeliads and orchids throughout a few different trails.

Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23 square mile wetlands ecosystem that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach and the towns of South Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island. Grassy Waters was both a key component of the Greater Everglades watershed and the headwaters of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.

Grassy Waters remains a pristine remnant of the once great Everglades system and is a mosaic of wetlands, tree islands, and forested hammocks. It’s also home to a variety of native wildlife. Commonly sighted species includ the Everglades snail kite, wood stork, white ibis, great blue heron, white tailed deer, otter, bobcat, and alligator.

Our team had the best time transplanting orchids high along their Swamp Tromp trail, which took us through the wet and muddy cypress swamp. This rugged trail required stepping over and ducking under vegetation, with water as high as our thighs!

We were happy to help out such an important cause and encourage you to see how you can help! Click here to find out more information about volunteer opportunities and enjoy some pictures of our volunteer day below.

Author: Admin

Marketing Manager at NAI Merin Hunter Codman

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