Nature trail completes wildlife habitat project in Lake Worth

A rare Pond Apple forest frequently visited by the endangered wood stork on Palm Beach State's Lake Worth campus  benefits from restoration efforts, thanks to a grant the College received from the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management.

The $50,000 grant was used to remove non-native, exotic species of plants from the wetlands area on the northeast corner of the campus. Those plants were replaced by such native vegetation as Sweet Bay Magnolia, Hackberry, Cherry Laurel and Wild Lime. The final touches included installation of a nature trail with signage for students, staff and the community to enjoy.

The project is tied to the county’s “chain-of-lakes restoration work” and will improve the water quality of the adjacent Lake Osborne and nearby habitats. “Not only will the habitat be restored, but students and visitors will gain an understanding of how we can maintain the balance between nature and human impact,” said Professor Jessica Miles, biology instructor and the project’s program leader. Professor Miles is also the Chair of the Environmental Science Technology program.