FANTASY ISLAND PROJECT
The Florida Aquarium is working in partnership with the Tampa Port Authority to rehabilitate and enhance a small man-made island (approximately three acres) in upper Tampa Bay. The island is popularly known in the local community as Fantasy Island.
It is an offshoot of two main spoil islands (islands created by the deposition of dredged bay bottom for shipping channels) owned by the Port. Overtime, the island had become overrun with exotic vegetation. Restoration and enhancement activities were designed to create a stand-alone, functioning educational tool for native local habitats. Microhabitats representative of the types that make up the bay, including inter-tidal zones, upland scrub, mangrove forest and salt marsh were created and installed. Subsequent phases in the project are underway and include installing interpretive signage, building a dock to accommodate The Florida Aquarium’s eco tour boat, construction of a covered educational pavilion, and the development of educational programming.
Alex Slater removed tons of invasive vegetation mostly Brazilian Peppertrees from the island. The island is a great example of surgical removal of invasive plants done by certified and competent staff led by Alex.
THE RANCH AT YEE-HAW JUNCTION
VMD LLC under Alex Slater has completed a major portion of restoration of miles of access roads ranch infested with invasive Brazilian Peppertree at Yee-Haw Junction.
This property is a prime example of environmental rehabilitation to a ranch consisting of thousands of acres in central Florida. This property was becoming inundated with peppertree growing along its creek banks particularly.
Careful planning and execution of removal and treatment of stumps to insure no re-growth will help keep this pristine land, native habitat and animal population healthy for years to come. New native species of trees were planted in place of the removed peppertrees, thanks to the dedicated work of Vegetation Management and Development.