Invasive plant treatment

Posted On: April 3, 2023

In the coming days, the Volusia County Resource Stewardship Division, in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will be treating large amounts of invasive plants in portions of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve along U.S. 1 in Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach.

The primary invasive plant targets will be the Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) and the Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). These plants will be chemically treated with herbicide, with no broadcast spraying of large areas. Both plants are aggressive and invasive, disturbing the native plants' environments. 

The region of treated plants will appear brown while in decline, with some areas being expansive. However, once these invasive plants are gone, the native plants will return to their natural color and remain healthy.

For additional information, contact the Resource Stewardship Division at 386-943-7081.