Mead makeover

From Winter Park City Talk:

The city of Winter Park, in partnership with Friends of Mead Garden, recently began a restoration project on the Lake Lillian Marsh, a historic, yet failing watershed, located in Mead Botanical Garden. The city and Friends of Mead Garden volunteers are working with the St. Johns Water Management district to carry forward the restoration of this important Howell Creek wetland system, which is a core element of the garden’s growing environmental education program.

The first step in the restoration plan is to remove the harmful invasive plants and construction debris that has accumulated in the area. With the removal of the harmful material and planting of new native plants, the marsh will become a healthier habitat with open water areas for small wildlife and multiple bird species.

Mead Botanical Garden is a 47.6-acre park offering many amenities including an amphitheatre, environmental center, garden club, picnic area, butterfly garden, boardwalk, bike trail and restroom and maintenance facilities. In addition to being listed as a “Great Florida Birding Trail,” the park is large enough to encompass several different ecosystems, which create a beautiful environment for nature lovers.

For more information regarding the Lake Lillian Marsh restoration project in Mead Botanical Garden, please call the city’s Parks & Recreation Department at 407-599-3399 or contact the Friends of Mead Garden at [email protected] or 407-599-2800.