Project Location
In the northern portion of the Lagoon at Lake Worth Inlet
The Problem
Peanut Island was originally formed, beginning in 1918, from material dredged to create the Lake Worth Inlet and maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway. Over time, the 79-acre island became overgrown with a forest of non-native (exotic) vegetation, primarily Australian pines.
Project Overview
Restored 26 acres of upland habitats: dune, coastal strand, and maritime hammock.
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Removed 60 acres of exotic plant species like Australian pine and Brazilian pepper.
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Constructed 5 acres of wetland habitats: a snorkeling reef system and shallow-water lagoon habitat with tidal channels to flush existing mangroves.
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Native dune plantings on the 12-foot high levee surrounding the Florida Inland Navigation District’s 23-acre dredged material management area provides slope stabilization and quality wildlife habitat.
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Installed over 125,000 native plants.
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Placed 36,000 tons of limestone and granite boulders for habitat and shoreline stabilization.
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The perimeter of the island is a County park providing public amenities such as a boardwalk, 1.25 mile brick walking path, boat docks, snorkeling, and camping.
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Peanut Island restoration was completed in 2005.
Benefits
A variety of restored habitats for fish, manatee, shrimp, crabs, and birds.
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The restored island is a popular site for recreation and environmental education while retaining its function as a dredged material management area.
Project Partners
Palm Beach County, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Inland Navigation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Port of Palm Beach, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
For More Information
Coastal Resources
