Wetland Grant

A large-scale, multi-phase conservation project will soon begin along the coastal wetlands of North Key Largo’s Ocean Forest area.  The goal is to protect and restore this environmentally sensitive area of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.  It is one of the only remaining examples of  rockland hammock in the U.S., housing a rare assemblage of botanical species and endangered animals.

A National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant of one million dollars, one of only 12 awarded nationwide and the only one in Florida, will fund phase one. Earthwork is planned to begin in Spring of 2025.  The restoration of the wetland and hammock will build more coastal resilience and remove pollution.  This will greatly benefit fish, wildlife, especially listed species and provide a home for migratory birds.

Trudy Wilson, the Biologist for both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson, plans to use the area for education and outreach. First up is coastal debris cleanup, then surveys of existing plants, birds, butterflies, horseshoe crabs and other wildlife living in the hammock.  Much of this will be done with the help of local conservation organizations, students and volunteer citizen scientists.

With phase 1 funding secured, the park will be applying for additional grants and seeking the funds for the next phase of work at the site. The Friends of Pennekamp have set up a donation fund …If you would like to donate to this project, please contact the Friends group at pennekampparkfriends.org.