Collier County Foundation.JPGFormer agricultural ditches recently filled to be planted with native grasses to expedite the restoration process at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, Florida’s largest State Park.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) secured a $25,000 grant from the Collier County Community Foundation to advance Phase II of the wetland restoration project at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (FSPSP), home to the largest strand swamp on Earth.

The Dan House Prairie Restoration Project is a critical milestone in reversing nearly a century of ecological damage. Building on the completion of infrastructure improvements and spoil berm removal, this phase will feature planting of native species across 17 acres of degraded marl prairie landscape. This specialized ecosystem is a lifeline for some of Florida's most vulnerable wildlife.

Since the 1930s, agricultural development has carved destructive ditches and berms throughout the 85,000-acre preserve, disrupting natural water flow and devastating wildlife habitats. The current restoration effort is systematically undoing this damage, with 998 acres already restored by removing spoil berms and installing water-control structures.

"This grant represents far more than funding. It's an investment in the future of Southwest Florida's natural heritage," said Collier Community Foundation President and CEO Eileen Connolly-Keesler. "When we support organizations like Ducks Unlimited, we're not just writing a check. We're catalyzing a movement that will benefit our community, our wildlife and our economy for generations. This $25,000 will unlock hundreds of thousands in additional federal and state funding, proving that strategic local philanthropy can move mountains, or in this case, restore swamps."

The project's impact extends far beyond conservation. Florida's outdoor recreation economy generates $58 billion annually, with state parks like Fakahatchee serving as economic anchors for their communities. The restoration work directly supports this sector while providing residents and visitors with enhanced opportunities for guided swamp walks, scenic drives and nature trails.

The initiative showcases the power of partnership, bringing together the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida State Parks in an unprecedented collaborative effort.

"What we're accomplishing at Fakahatchee represents conservation at its most impactful," said DU Florida Regional Biologist Jeff Beal. "Every acre we restore creates a ripple effect, cleaner water flowing downstream, more habitat for endangered species, stronger storm protection for coastal communities and new opportunities for people to connect with nature. This isn't just about fixing what was broken; it's about building resilience for the challenges ahead, including climate change and sea level rise. The Collier Community Foundation's support allows us to leverage every dollar for maximum conservation impact."

Fakahatchee Strand's unique ecosystem provides irreplaceable habitat for species found nowhere else in the continental United States. The park's diverse landscapes from salt marshes and mangroves to forested swamps and freshwater marshes support an extraordinary array of imperiled wildlife, including West Indian manatees, wood storks, bald eagles, Everglades mink and the iconic Florida panther.

The restoration work addresses the habitat needs of these vulnerable species by reestablishing natural hydrological conditions, improving water quality and creating the diverse wetland environments essential for their survival and reproduction.

Phase II activities will include comprehensive surveying, detailed design work and construction preparation for the native plantings. The project leverages substantial funding from federal sources, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, demonstrating how local investment can attract significant additional resources.

This restoration effort is a model for large-scale ecosystem recovery that other states and regions are watching closely. As climate change and development pressures intensify, projects like this provide crucial blueprints for protecting and restoring America's natural heritage.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

About the Collier Community Foundation
Celebrating 40 years of empowering local philanthropy, the Collier Community Foundation® is a trusted, tax-exempt, public charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the community through impactful giving. Established in 1985, the Foundation manages over 900 donor funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, and has awarded over $387 million in grants and scholarships to support vital programs and initiatives. By connecting generosity with community needs, the Collier Community Foundation drives informed giving and delivers powerful results. To learn more, visit colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000​​​​​​.