G5_A Restoration Story Lower Level_01

In Polk County, Florida, you can find Circle B Bar Reserve. Circle B Bar Reserve is named after the cattle ranch. The cattle ranch once occupied the site. The land itself has changed. This was to better suit human activity. The changes caused habitat destruction. As a result, plants and animals were affected. At the time, little was known about human impact. We did not know how these changes would impact the environment.

Scientists study these changes. So, now we know more about human impact. People are now restoring these vital or needed areas. A wetland may just look like a swampy area with little use. But these areas are needed for the health of the environment. Wetlands are homes and sanctuaries to all kinds of plants and animals. They help reduce flooding. They also filter the runoff after heavy rains. This ability to filter water keeps our lakes, streams, and oceans clean.

It is human nature to take things for granted. We often do not know how important these areas are. That is until they are gone. Luckily, the area at Circle B can be restored to a wetland. But, not without a large cost. It is one thing to change farmland back to a wetland. It is quite another to change a city with homes and businesses back to a more natural setting.

In 2000, local agencies bought the ranch. The community was then able to restore the land. The goal was to preserve the water quality of Florida. Also, to give a home to Florida’s wildlife. As you can see from the images below, the plan is well on its way.