Project Approved To Restore Former Florida Citrus Grove Back To Everglades Habitat

Posted by Paul Rusnak|December 30, 2015

South Florida Water Management District officials have approved a $1.5 million construction contract to restore a former citrus grove back to Everglades habitat.

Known as the Sam Jones/Abiaki Prairie C-139 Annex Restoration Project, the approximately 15,000-acre site in Hendry County will be restored to an expansive wet prairie system with scattered cypress domes, tree island hammocks, and sloughs.

JMS Construction Services was awarded the contract. This initial phase of construction entails site preparation, including:

Removal and replacement of existing infrastructure such as metal pipes
Removal of 247 8-inch diameter drainage culverts
Abandonment of 15 irrigation wells
Demolition and removal of associated concrete pads and piping

The Sam Jones/Abiaki Prairie property is located between the Seminole Tribe of Florida Big Cypress Reservation and Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 in southeastern Hendry County. At the District’s invitation, the Seminole Tribe chose to name the property the Sam Jones/Abiaki Prairie after their spiritual leader (known by both names), who was thought to have lived on the property.

Several tribal maps indicate his 19th century village was at the crossroads of numerous historical trails located on this site. The District is coordinating with leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida on the restoration effort of this environmentally sensitive land.