Northern owns and maintains approximately 2,000 acres of preserves throughout the 128 square mile District. It is an integral part of many of our residential communities and a pristine area of native Florida that we strive to protect.  Since these areas sometimes lie behind residents' houses, we receive many calls to trim back trees or remove trees that are not aesthetically pleasing. If it is warranted or threatening personal property, we will trim back or remove vegetation, but in most cases, trees should be left in their native state.  Why is this? Why can't we make the preserve areas look like parks?

First and foremost, we are required by permit with the South Florida Water Management District not to remove or kill any native trees or plants in the preserve. These native trees and vegetation, such as cabbage palms, provide many benefits to wildlife.  They are not just trees, but homes for many animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, frogs, lizards, and others. Small rodents, lizards, insects, and even rare plant species rely on the uncut "boots" of a palm for a home. Squirrels and birds will use the palm thatch as nesting material and will often nest in the palm. One time, preserve crews removed three cabbage palms from behind a resident's home. When one of the palms dropped to the ground, seven newborn squirrels fell out of it. Staff had to build a temporary "home" for the babies close to the tree, hoping the mother would return to find them.  Many bird nests are also lost due to trimming plants and trees.

 A 2019 study in South Florida found that cavity nesters, native woodpeckers specifically, favored palm snags, which are dead palm trees, over pine trees or maples in urbanized tropical regions; even more of a reason to keep standing snags in the preserve. We received a request from a resident to remove a maple snag located behind their home. It wasn't threatening any property; it was just a bit of an eyesore. Northern staff went to investigate, and as soon as they got close to the tree, a woodpecker flew towards them and into a small cavity it had built in the tree. Not only was there a nest, but there were several baby chicks inside that the woodpecker was feeding. Even more importantly, many of these birds and their nests/eggs are protected by federal law (The Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

We also get requests to remove rodents from preserves.  Northern staff do not treat for rodents or any other pests in the preserves. The baits and poisons used for that purpose are designed to attract and kill rodents, but are also known to attract other non-target mammals. Aside from the risk of primary exposure to non-target mammals in the preserves, there is also the risk of secondary exposure.

Rodents, including mice and rats, are a key component of the food chain in the natural ecosystems throughout the preserves. Many of the desired animals in the preserves rely on rodents as food, including animals such as hawks, owls, bobcats, foxes, and snakes. When the rodents are poisoned, they become weak and are easy prey for predators. If these predators eat the poisoned rodents, they will get secondary exposure to the poison and will likely die. If we start targeting organisms on the lower end of the food chain, this will disrupt the rest of the food chain and could cause serious harm to the health of the preserves. It's essential to understand the delicate balance of nature and the potential consequences of our actions.

In addition to preserving native vegetation, it is crucial to prevent the introduction of non-native houseplants into the preserves. Many residents may not realize that disposing of unwanted houseplants by throwing them into the preserves can lead to the establishment of invasive species. These non-native plants can outcompete native flora for resources, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem and harming the wildlife that relies on native plants for food and shelter.

Invasive species can spread rapidly, often leading to a decline in biodiversity and negatively impacting the health of the preserves. It's essential to dispose of non-native plants responsibly, such as through composting or proper waste disposal, rather than releasing them into natural areas. By ensuring that only native plants thrive in the preserves, we can help maintain their ecological integrity and promote a healthier habitat for local wildlife. We all have a role to play in protecting these valuable natural spaces and supporting the unique ecosystems they harbor.

An essential part of preserving the preserves is to let nature be nature. As a community, we play a crucial role in this. Removing exotic species of plants and allowing for nature to take its course are necessary for the health of the preserves and the rest of our environment in South Florida.  Nature is not always perfectly groomed, but for everything there is a purpose.  What may seem like an old, ugly tree to you may be home to birds and other wildlife.  Leaving the preserves in their natural state is required and the right thing to do. It's a responsibility we all share.