A win for local ecosystems: Eelgrass takes root in the Orange Creek Restoration Area

A small patch of eelgrass is a big discovery for the St. Johns River Water Management District, offering a visible sign that restoration efforts are yielding positive results at Orange Creek Restoration Area. This first sighting of the native aquatic plant here demonstrates the progress being made to improve the aquatic ecosystem.

Eelgrass is a crucial plant for water bodies. It provides food and shelter for fish, invertebrates and other wildlife. Its dense underwater meadows help stabilize sediment, prevent erosion and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can fuel algal blooms. Eelgrass is an important component of healthy aquatic ecosystems, especially in areas affected by nutrient pollution from excess nitrogen and phosphorus.

A mechanical vegetation harvest is used to help control nuisance and non-native invasive plants.

The eelgrass patch was found near a boat ramp in the Orange Creek Restoration Area, a 3,500-acre marsh located in Alachua and Marion counties. Farmers drained and ditched the marsh in the1920s for agriculture, altering water flow, causing muck (organic sediment) buildup and introducing invasive plant species. The District bought the property in 1998 and began restoring it by removing levees, filling ditches and reflooding the marsh. In recent years, the focus has shifted to controlling nuisance and non-native invasive plants like Cuban bulrush. Cuban bulrush forms thick, floating mats called tussocks. These mats compete with native plants for resources and can block sunlight, harming desirable underwater plants.  By treating and removing the floating tussocks, the District has improved public recreation, advanced restoration and encouraged the return of native species, like eelgrass.

“A lot of time and resources have gone into restoring this area,” says Jeremy Olson, a land management program manager for the District who spotted the eelgrass.

“Seeing the native species responding like this is a significant indication that our efforts are paying off.”

The discovery represents more than just a single patch of plants—it symbolizes the years of hard work and dedication to improving the health of local ecosystems. While more work remains to fully restore the area, the presence of eelgrass serves as a reminder of the power of nature’s resilience and the importance of continued conservation efforts. As the District and its partners advance restoration projects, the return of native species like eelgrass offers a promising outlook for the future of this valuable marshland.

To learn more about the District’s restoration efforts in the Orange Creek Basin, visit www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/orange-creek.