Dave Fuss, Director of Land Stewardship for the Indian River Land Trust was the guest speaker for Eugenia Chapter’s October 15, 2026 meeting held at the Environmental Learning Center. Dave spoke about the IRLT’s Coastal Oaks Preserve.
Coastal Oaks Preserve, pictured above, stretches from U.S. 1 on the west (lower right hand corner of above photo) eastward to the Indian River Lagoon, at approximately 1650 U.S. 1. While the entire property is not yet open to the public, the new native plant landscaped entrance provides an opportunity to see examples of the quality site work completed to date. The efficiently designed looped access road enables an easy pull in and out in front of the main gate.
The land was originally part of the historic Hallstrom Estate, established around 1918. The Coastal Oaks portion was abandoned for decades, taken over by invasive plants, particularly thick stands of Brazilian peppers. Florida’s mild climate is conducive to the spread of all kinds of invasive plants that wreck havoc on natural areas throughout the state. Their removal is costly, time-consuming, and frustrating for everyone from homeowners to land managers of any size.
The removal of areas of dense invasive plants has enabled extensive restoration and native landscaping projects to move forward and to showcase the diversity of habitats at the site: freshwater wetlands, pine flatwoods, oak-palm hammock, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and sea grass beds in the Indian River Lagoon. The main entry road, pleasantly winding from the west to the parking area deep into the heart of the property, has been showcased with several large native plant species. Dozens of other native species have been planted on the mounded slopes visible from the road.
Eventually, Coastal Oaks Preserve will have a pavilion to provide work space for scientific research and education projects conducted on the property.
Thanks to Dave (above left) and all who contributed to our native plant auction (held at 5:30 before each meeting) and those that regularly support Chapter events. The Chapter will be meeting at the ELC October – March for our speaker presentations. Native plant yard tours will resume in April 2027. Sign up for email notifications and/or check the website for more information about past and upcoming events.
