Volunteers plant longleaf pines at Crystal River Preserve to restore habitat

Crystal River Preserve State Park volunteers spent a recent session planting longleaf pine seedlings and wiregrass as part of a habitat restoration effort at the preserve in Citrus County.

Andy Kilmer, an environmental specialist with Crystal River Preserve State Park, described the preserve as "a huge area" and said the team manages roughly 28,000 acres between the power plant and Homosassa. Kilmer said the restoration work is intended to re-establish longleaf-pine habitat across portions of the preserve and that teams of two volunteers would handle planting.

Volunteers and partner groups were named by organizers as participants, including local park volunteers, the "friends of River Preserve," the NEDA Plant Society and Citrus County Parks and Recreation. Kilmer said volunteers would work in pairs to plant seedlings.

Volunteer Drew Sewell, a Pinellas County resident, described the planting technique: "First we're taking a little soil plug out and then we're sticking the seedlings in. And over the next few years, they'll begin to take root. Once the initial tap is down in there, the roots will start to finger and spread out, and then the tree goes up." Sewell also said he came to help on his birthday: "I wanted to come out and give mother nature a hand."

Other volunteers described personal and family reasons for participating. One speaker said, as homeschoolers, they saw the planting as a science activity for their daughter. Toby Tapley, from Crystal River, said simply, "I'm from Crystal River, and we're planting trees. I love trees, and I just enjoy planting them."

Organizers and volunteers emphasized ecological benefits. One participant said, "Restoring native plants to our region and our area just helps so much. It helps keep our water clean, helps our wildlife, helps keep the air clean." Volunteers described expectations that restored areas will support birds, turtles and deer and provide improved habitat and recreational enjoyment for the community.

The session combined a brief demonstration of planting technique with hands-on volunteer work and participation from several community groups. There was no formal vote, motion or policy decision recorded during the gathering. Organizers did not specify the total number of seedlings planted or a timeline for larger-scale planting across the preserve.