By Melinda Schuman, Biologist IV
The Christopher B. Smith Preserve is a 7.5 acre parcel located which was purchased for conservation purposes, made possible by the generosity of Christopher and Jeannie Smith. The preserve is located in the heart of Naples on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida campus.
The preserve is made up of a patchwork of habitats, most notably Florida scrub. According to the book Ecosystems of Florida, similar habitats exist in a few of the other southern states, however, Florida scrub habitat is considered unique to Florida. Scrub is essentially ancient sand dunes deposited by the receding ocean, in some cases over a million years ago.
It is classified by the nutrient poor, well drained-soil, and is typically named for the dominant tree or shrub species that reside there, such as ‘oak scrub’ or ‘rosemary scrub’. Fire plays an important role in the shaping of scrub habitats. In addition to other benefits, fire releases nutrients back into the soil, prevents the dominant tree species from taking over, and maintains the vast white sand appearance.
Unfortunately, Florida scrub has become a critically endangered habitat. For example, Lake Wales Ridge which is one of the largest scrub ecosystems, located in Central Florida, has experienced an 85% loss to development and agriculture. Similarly, much of coastal scrub in Collier County has been lost due to the preference for developing habitats that are high and dry.
Florida scrub is also known for the high biodiversity with its most popular resident being the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). This state-designated Threatened species creates deep burrows in the sandy soil which can be utilized by as many as 350 other species!
The Christopher B. Smith Preserve is also home to a charismatic population of gopher tortoises. However, many less well-known living creatures call this 7.5 acres sanctuary home as well. Conservancy volunteer Susan Leach Snyder has identified 1,283 species living in the preserve to date. You can see them all on her website Secrets of the Scrub… A Biodiversity Bonanza where they are inventoried. This is a wonderful testament to the value of saving habitat.
When you view the Christopher B. Smith Preserve from the bridge walk on campus, it most often displays the typical white sand dune appearance, edged by scrubby oaks and pines. However, starting in late August the dunes come to life with color. The unique plants of the scrub come into bloom creating a sea of purples, yellows, blues, and whites, all of which are danced upon by various pollinators. These pollinators create a welcome food source for the local and migratory birds that reside in the preserve during this blooming window. This unique habitat has nurtured these, and many other cycles, for longer than modern humans have been living here. Please take a moment to walk up the bridge and enjoy the view next time you’re on campus!
