The Cypress Bend Community Preserve, a 59-acre natural gem located 1.5 miles south of Dale Wimbrow Park on the west side of Roseland Road, is undergoing significant restoration to revive its native scrub ecosystems.
Indian River County, which acquired the property in 2006, has been working to reverse decades of environmental damage caused by invasive species and the land’s prior use as a citrus grove.
Contractors are currently on-site, using heavy equipment to clear invasive plants and remove remnants of old farming infrastructure. The ongoing work aims to restore the preserve’s natural habitat, creating a landscape with a sparse canopy and open, herbaceous understory ideal for wildlife foraging.
County officials told Sebastian Daily that the restoration aims to give native species a fighting chance, as many animals depend on these unique scrub habitats to thrive.
Crews will conduct a controlled burn to boost the habitat and prep the land for native plantings. The county will soon inform residents ahead of the burn to keep everyone safe and in the loop.
Since the county took ownership, the preserve has been a focal point for conservation efforts, but the scale of the damage from invasive species and agricultural alterations has made the project a long-term commitment. The current phase of work targets a specific portion of the site, as outlined in a map provided by the county.
For more information or to inquire about the restoration efforts, details can be found on the Indian River County Conservation website or on its Facebook page.
