Publix and the National Audubon Society have released the results of the first phase of their collaboration in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary of the western Everglades in Florida, part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and freshwater restoration in the state.
To date, 200 acres of invasive willows and other plants have been removed from the sanctuary in an effort to restore the natural landscape. According to a third-party evaluation, the phase one removal will allow more than 44 million gallons of water per year to be returned to the wetland’s ecosystem, the equivalent of nearly 67 Olympic-size swimming pools.
In addition, Audubon Florida has reported evidence of wildlife in the restored area. Cameras set up in the sanctuary and drones flown overhead have captured images of two male deer locking horns and a black bear in an area that was once too dense to move through.
“We’re excited to see such positive improvements after our first phase of work in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary,” said Publix Director of Environmental and Sustainability Programs Michael Hewett, in a statement. “During this year’s rainy season, more water will be absorbed into the aquifer instead of being captured and held by invasive trees and plants. As a result, the aquifer will be recharged, and Floridians will have access to additional fresh drinking water.”
To prevent regrowth of the willows and other plants removed in the first phase, follow-up treatments began in September 2021 and will continue for another two to five years.
The second phase, expected to begin in May, involves removing invasive willows and other plants from an additional 200 acres.
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