Volusia County to Remove Brazilian Pepper from Popular Preserve

Posted On: May 21, 2025

Volusia County’s Resource Stewardship team will begin a targeted invasive species removal operation at the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve on Tuesday, May 27. The project focuses specifically on eliminating Brazilian pepper, one of Florida's most aggressive invasive plant species.

The weeklong ecological restoration effort has been carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to preserve visitors. All trails and parking areas will remain fully accessible throughout the project. While visitors may notice sections of dead vegetation along pathways following treatment, this represents a positive step toward restoring the preserve's natural ecosystem.

"This strategic timing is crucial," explained Richard Harris, a land manager with Volusia County. "By removing these plants before berry maturation, we prevent birds from consuming and dispersing the seeds, significantly reducing future spread of this invasive species."

The removal process employs environmentally responsible techniques, with specialized crews using hand tools to cut the invasive plants at their base before applying targeted herbicide treatments directly to the stumps. No heavy machinery will be deployed, and crews will take special precautions to protect surrounding native vegetation.

Brazilian pepper, easily identified by its bright red berries in late fall, poses a serious threat to Florida's natural habitats. This fast-growing woody plant aggressively overtakes native vegetation, particularly in sensitive mangrove ecosystems, dramatically reducing biodiversity and degrading wildlife habitat.

For more information about this project or invasive species management in Volusia County preserves, call the Resource Stewardship Division at 386-943-7081 or visit www.volusia.org/conservation.

About Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Spanning over 2,400 acres between New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange, this ecological treasure protects one of the largest remaining stretches of pristine Florida coastal habitat, featuring salt marsh, coastal hammock, and creek ecosystems that support numerous native plant and wildlife species.