Pictured: Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation Division and volunteers on planting day. Photo courtesy of Broward County.

Nestled in the heart of South Florida’s urban landscape, Deerfield Island Park is a 53-acre natural oasis that serves as a refuge for native wildlife and a sanctuary for rare coastal ecosystems. Accessible only by boat and designated both an Urban Wilderness Area and a Critical Wildlife Area, this unique park plays a vital role in protecting species such as the threatened gopher tortoise, as well as supporting mangrove wetlands, coastal hammocks, and numerous wading birds and marine life. 

In 2023, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division launched a restoration effort to combat the spread of invasive plant species that threaten the island's ecological balance. This initiative cleared 1.25 acres of non-native vegetation from the park’s northern section. But the effort didn’t stop there. Thanks to community partnerships and grant support, this cleared land was soon transformed into a thriving pollinator garden. 

Recognizing the importance of sustaining the island’s biodiversity and preventing invasive regrowth, the Friends of Deerfield Island Park (FoDIP), a dedicated non-profit group of local advocates, proposed the idea of creating a pollinator garden in the restored area. Their vision aligned with funding support from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in partnership with the Danaher Corporation, making the project a reality. 

In collaboration with FoDIP, Broward County Parks and Recreation identified and sourced 70 native plant species, which were carefully selected to support pollinators and provide habitat for gopher tortoises. With the help of volunteers, including members of the Deerfield Island Arboretum, more than 700 native plants were installed over multiple days, transforming the landscape into a vibrant, functional habitat. 

To enhance the garden’s educational value, interpretive signage was added, highlighting the role of native plants, butterflies, bees, and the threats posed by invasive species. In addition, an interactive iNaturalist project was launched for the garden, allowing visitors to explore species observations, learn about native flora and fauna and contribute their own sightings to support ongoing conservation efforts. To further explore pollinators and biodiversity with NRPA, consider participating in the annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, also hosted on iNaturalist. 

While the garden is flourishing, continued stewardship is key to its long-term success. FoDIP volunteers visit the island weekly, dedicating two to three hours to maintain the garden and remove any encroaching invasive species. Although the park is currently temporarily closed for improvements, the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division looks forward to resuming EcoAction Volunteer Workdays once the park reopens, inviting the public to take part in hands-on conservation efforts and environmental education. 

This project reflects the power of community-driven conservation and public-private partnerships. With the support of NRPA, Danaher Corporation, FoDIP and countless volunteers, Broward County continues to protect and enhance Deerfield Island Park, ensuring this natural gem remains a treasured resource for current and future generations. 

Cheri Gagné is a contract/grant administrator at Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. Kelton P. Harvey is the business manager at Broward County Parks and Recreation Division.