The nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage is advancing trail projects in the 95-acre FISH Preserve while also completing a mango tree initiative throughout the historic Cortez village.
FISH board members, meeting Sept. 8 at the Cortez Cultural Center, highlighted progress on trail restoration, signage and picnic shelters within the FISH Preserve on the east side of the village.
FISH member Alan Garner, who’s overseeing the improvements, said that footbridges are now complete. However, there is some flooding in low-lying portions of trails between the bridges.
“It’s dry about 90% of the time,” Garner said. “When we have an extreme tide … it’s usually not (flooded) more than about three or four hours. I think it’s better to keep it that way than to build up embankment-type trails everywhere.”
Garner said work is underway on educational signage along the trails. Composite and fiberglass sign panels were being prepared for installation and he estimated a dedication event could be held in early November.
Meanwhile, board member Karen Bell reported on the purchase, distribution and planting of mango trees in the historic area of Cortez, including at the old firehouse and Fishermen’s Hall.
Many older trees were lost last fall during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought floodwaters and high winds to the village.
To replace the trees lost, 60 mango trees were acquired for giveaways to more than 50 properties.
“I thought it was interesting that the mangos are five different varieties,” FISH treasurer Jane von Hahmann said. “They’re all newer varieties now than the traditional names that we’ve heard of.”
Varieties planted include Florigon, Lemon Meringue, Carrie, Malika and Cotton Candy.
About FISH
FISH, founded in 1991, manages the FISH Preserve, the village boat shop, Fishermen’s Hall and the historic Cortez firehouse. The 12-member board also directs the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, which celebrates the village’s fishing heritage.