Discover Englewood 2023
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CGC1516558 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL (941) 475-1101 • • 40 ENGLEWOOD ENGLEWOOD adno=3875353-1 PROUDLY serving the Englewood area for over 40 years! 2012-2022 In December, the foundation purchased 8 acres adjacent to the land-based property, to serve as a buffer between the park and and residential development to the south. The 8 acres — primarily uplands with a small wetland area — could have been developed into more than 80 condominium units, according to the foundation. Conserving the land at Don Pedro State Park helps protect the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, which flows into Charlotte Harbor, one of Florida's most productive estuaries. It also allows park officials' ability to manage the adjoining uplands with prescribed fire, keep invasive plant species like Brazilian pepper out of the park, and support the habitat for a number of species including gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, snowy plovers and roseate terns. "Additionally, the property contains eight boat slips on a protected canal, which, if purchased by the state, will enhance the park's recreation amenities, including kayaking access to the secluded island portion of the park," the foundation states. The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is a nationally accredited land trust that purchases natural areas, holds voluntary land protection agreements, and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, according to its website conservationfoundation.com. Don Pedro Island State Park is open Wednesday through Saturday. (Please note, as of Jan. 1, the barrier island portion of the park remained closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Please check the park's website www.floridastateparks.org/parks- and-trails/don-pedro-island-state- park or call 941-964-0375 for updated information about the park's status.) White pelicans at Don Pedro Island State Park. PHOTO BY BILL DUNSON 2023 Discover Englewood 19