By Lisa Hanley

The Forests and Public Lands Committee of the Loxahatchee Group is proud to announce that the City of Boynton Beach was awarded a grant of $40,000 from the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) to remove exotics from The Galaxy Sand Pine Preserve (also called Galaxy Park).

Since 2013, a core group of dedicated Sierra Club volunteers and city employees have been working to clear the Preserve of schefflera, Brazilian pepper, guinea grass, and a host of other invasive non-native plants. A change in administration in the city and the appointment of Rebecca Harvey as Sustainability Director gave our efforts a tremendous boost.

The grant covers the cost of clearing invasive plants from approximately 12 acres of gopher tortoise habitat, a task that proved far too great for volunteers—although we tried! A condition of the grant is that the city commit to a quarterly maintenance schedule to keep the cleared areas clear. Thus far, they have kept that promise.

The Galaxy Sand Pine Preserve is home to gopher tortoises and several endangered, endemic species. Sadly, it was woefully neglected for decades by the various public entities charged with its protection and maintenance. We plan on ending that legacy and keeping the Preserve a valuable wildlife refuge in an urban setting.

The primary purpose of the Preserve is for the educational use by Galaxy Elementary School, but eventually the Alan P. Parmelee Nature Trail (named after a long-time member and benefactor) will be open to the public after school hours, complete with signage provided by the School District.

We thank all the many Sierra Club volunteers who helped cut, pull, and bag invasive plants and trash on service outings. And many thanks to our stake holders, The Loxahatchee Group, City of Boynton Beach, The School District of Palm Beach County, Galaxy Elementary School, and the Florida Wildlife Commission.