Gopher Tortoise Preserve Enhancement at Eisenhower Elementary School

Working under a continuing contract with the School District of Palm Beach County, WGI restored a gopher tortoise preserve area at the Dwight D Eisenhower Elementary School.

An initial gopher tortoise burrow survey was performed to locate and mark all burrows in the area so they would be protected during restoration activities. Exotic and nuisance vegetation was removed or treated in place and replaced with native vegetation to provide forage for the tortoises. Given the high density of tortoises and lack of foraging habitat on adjoining properties, a key factor was selecting plants that would provide enough food for the tortoises in all seasons throughout the year. WGI provided oversight of vegetation maintenance and irrigation, including periodic treatments of regrowth of exotic vegetation.