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The 344-acre site in Nokomis is located
between Shakett Creek and Fox Creek. The site includes the
natural shoreline of Fox Creek and one of the few remaining
black needle rush marshes in the county. Upland habitats include
both scrubby and longleaf pine flatwoods and support several
listed species.
Importance
This site is one of the few remaining examples of estuarine
creek habitat in the county. Wading birds feed along the
mangrove-lined banks. The scrubby flatwoods support gopher
tortoises and are possible foraging habitat for Florida
scrub-jays. A pair of bald eagles nests in the interior. The
site protects water quality benefits for Fox Creek, Shakett
Creek, and Dona Bay, while providing flood protection for the
watershed.
Status
The Board of County Commissioners approved these parcels as a
protection priority site in 2003. Approximately 120 acres have
been acquired by Public Works for habitat mitigation and
stormwater treatment.
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