Delray Beach showcases habitat restoration efforts at Atlantic Dunes Park

The City of Delray Beach, Florida, is making significant strides in habitat restoration as part of its Earth Month 2025 initiatives. During a recent meeting at Atlantic Dunes Park, Sustainability Officer Ken Edwards highlighted the ongoing restoration efforts and the introduction of various native plant species aimed at enhancing local biodiversity.

Edwards was joined by Liz Dutra from the Institute for Regional Conservation and Chris Chidester from the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. Together, they showcased several plants that have been added to the park over the past year, emphasizing their roles in supporting wildlife and stabilizing the dune ecosystem. Notable species included the Florida prickly pear, which will soon produce pink buds for birds, and the native agave, known for its ability to stabilize sandy areas.

The team also discussed the corky stem passion flower vine, a host plant for butterflies, and the beach creeper, which serves as a ground cover and food source for pollinators. Additionally, the Bahama nightshade was highlighted for its red berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

Edwards noted that some plants, such as the shiny leaf coffee plant and the rouge plant, have naturally re-emerged following the removal of invasive species like the Brazilian pepper, allowing the native seed bank to thrive.

The meeting underscored the importance of these restoration efforts not only for enhancing biodiversity but also for promoting resilience and sustainability in the community. Residents are encouraged to visit Atlantic Dunes Park to witness the restoration progress and participate in various Earth Month activities, as detailed on the Office of Sustainability and Resilience's webpage.