County continues invasive plant control project

Posted On: May 15, 2023

This week, Volusia County’s Resource Stewardship Division will continue treatment of 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.

Invasive plants harm Florida’s natural ecosystems because they form dense blocks that expand quickly and 

suppress the growth of surrounding native vegetation. The primary invasive plants targeted for this control project are the Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) and the Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). These plants will be chemically treated with an EPA-approved herbicide to help restore native habitat.  

Over the next few months, the public will likely see large swaths of the treated invasive plants because they will appear brown and start to slowly die back. Members of the public should not be alarmed because vegetation dieback on invasive species is a sign of successful control and will allow native plants to reestablish in this ecosystem. 

A will be displayed to inform the public that the control project is in progress.

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