Letter to the Editor: It’s time to say ‘thank you,’ says Conservancy

Lemon Bay Conservancy

To the Editor:

On September 8, Lemon Bay Conservancy completed the purchase of the former Wildflower Golf Course, having raised $800,000 since the late summer of 2010. Thank you to the neighbors, the many contributors from Boca Grande, and the other concerned environmentalists from  Charlotte, Sarasota, and Lee counties for making this incredible purchase possible in such a short time. A special thank you also to the Lemon Bay Golf Club, Friends of Cape Haze, and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program for their continuing assistance.

The restoration is already in progress. Thanks to the more than 75 volunteers who have put in over 2,000 hours, amazing things are already being accomplished. Trails have been built and are being maintained, many invasive plants have been removed, and 10 benches have been built and strategically located on the property. In addition, a Butterfly Habitat is being planted and there are ongoing improvements in the bird habitat, which will include a Bird Observatory area and feeding stations. Volunteers are taking water samples on a regular basis with an eye to improving the “baby tarpon incubator.”

However, we still need your help. Property taxes, liability insurance, new plantings, and constant ongoing maintenance cost money. We need your financial support for the continuing restoration of this natural “jewel.” Please send your contribution today.

Thank you.

Walter A. Meanwell, Treasurer                                                                                
Lemon Bay Conservancy, 2980 Placida Road,
Suite 201, Englewood FL 34224
lemonbayconservancy.org

P.S. Two area Boy Scouts have developed projects in the Wildflower Preserve as part of their Eagle Scout program. One has been fully funded: however, the Scout helping build and develop the Bird Observatory area still needs some financial support. If you would like to contribute specifically to this project, please contact the Conservancy.