The Teague Hammock Preserve Restoration project began in July 2021 and was completed in May 2022. The area had been heavily impacted by drainage installation and conversion for agriculture, fragmenting historic drainage patterns within the C-24 canal drainage basin.
Water Quality and Habitat Goals
The goal was to provide an additional 300 acres of groundwater recharge and natural-area storage, reclaim agricultural water discharges, and restore priority wetland habitat for threatened and endangered species. Restored wetlands reduce nutrient concentrations in downstream waters, attenuate flooding, increase storage and hydroperiods, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce future invasive vegetation management costs.
Protecting the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon
The project reclaims and stores agricultural runoff before it reaches the C-24 drainage basin. Restored wetlands help clean surface water before it reaches tributaries to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, significantly reducing unwanted nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus as runoff is slowly released back into the estuaries.
Construction Activities
ETS performed earthwork, mowing, ditch cleaning, grading, improvements and construction of berms, levees, and dikes, and construction of outfalls, flap gates, culverts, and low-water crossings.
