As Naples, and Collier County, continue to grow, Conservation Collier has succeeded in preserving and restoring native habitats. For example, the Railhead Scrub Preserve contains one of the last significant stretches of xeric oak scrub, which has largely disappeared from Collier County due to development. In addition to saving the native plants on the Preserve that remained, Conservation Collier removed exotics and planted new natives. The program’s restored not only the scrub habitat, but also seasonally flooded cypress, hydric flatwoods, and pine flatwoods. This preserve, alone, contains a total of 328 native plant species, ten of which are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as Endangered, Threatened, or Commercially Exploited. These native ecosystems support the wildlife that evolved with them, including protected species like the Bald Eagle and Gopher Tortoise.

There are twenty-one preserves throughout Collier County, most of which are accessible to and popular with the public, like the Gordon River Greenway. All twenty-one preserves support native habitats. The following are just a few examples: Alligator Flag Preserve is home to cardinal airplant(Tillandsia fasciculata), northern needleleaf (Tillandsia balbisiana), and royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis). Cocohatchee Creek Preserve boasts mature live oak (Quercus virginiana), golden aster (Pityopsis graminifolia), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Logan Woods Preserve has fuzzywuzzy airplant (Tillandsia pruinosa) and red stopper (Eugenia rhombea). Otter Mound Preserve contains Curacao bush (Cordia globosa), giant wild pine (Tillandsia utriculata), satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), and barbed-wire cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus). And Pepper Ranch Preserve hosts quillwort arrowhead (Sagittaria isoetiformis) and oak mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum). In order for future generations to enjoy this beautiful biodiversity, we must continue investing in Conservation Collier

In addition to protecting native plants, these preserves also provide water quality protection for Collier’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries. We saw the importance of these types of investments when we witnessed the devastation red tide and blue-green algae caused to our beaches and local businesses. Reestablishing funding for Conservation Collier allows the County to continue acquiring lands that serve as natural buffers to our waters and reduce fertilizer runoff, which is believed to be one of the causes of red tide. These investments seem even more imperative now that we’re living through the Covid-19 pandemic as red tide and blue green algae may cause and exacerbate respiratory issues. For these reasons, and more, Conservation Collier has succeeded at the ballot box twice before, most recently securing over 80% of the vote in 2006.

Voting yes to reestablish the Conservation Collier program is voting to invest in maintaining the quality of life Naples residents enjoy now. Without this investment, we may lose many of the areas that are cleaning our waters, providing flood protection, and protecting native habitat. So whether you’re voting by mail or in person, please make sure to find the Conservation Collier question at the end of your ballot and vote YES this fall!

This article was written by Gladys Delgadillo

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Yes Conservation Collier is a citizen-led effort to reestablish funding for Conservation Collier. We need your help to reach and educate voters so they say, “YES,” on or before November 3rd. To learn more about the Yes Conservation Collier campaign, and contribute your time and/or resources, please visit www.yesconservationcollier.org.