Once characterized by polluted waterways, Tappan Nature Preserve will soon be a destination for nature lovers.
By RON MATUS
Published August 1, 2003
A radical makeover for Tappan Nature Preserve is almost finished.
In the next few weeks, workers for the city and the Southwest Florida Water Management District will put the final touches on a $280,000 plan to convert the 44-acre park into a magnet for nature lovers and a filter for untreated stormwater.
"I couldn't be happier," city forester Steve Graham said. "We don't have that many nature parks in urban Tampa. So this is really a nice gem."
The nipping and tucking began in the spring.
What used to be a low-lying pasture that rolled into mangroves bordering Tampa Bay is now an expanse of dirt, cut through with a man-made tidal creek and freshwater pond. Hundreds of white staffs poke up from the earth, each one marking a newly planted tree or shrub.
Wildlife approves: Schools of tiny fish are already rippling across the creek. Roseate spoonbills flash pink above them.
"The wading birds, it's just amazing," said project leader Amy Remley, a scientist with the water district, commonly known as Swiftmud.
When the city paid Pinellas County businessman Richard A. Tappan $1-million for the land in 1998, the site was infested with Australian pine and Brazilian pepper trees. A hill of dredged-up dirt had been dumped there. Polluted stormwater flowed freely.
But workers axed the non-native plants, leveled the hill and carved out the creek, which filters pollutants before they flow into the bay.
"It looks terrific," said Scott Davis, president of the Port Tampa Civic Association.
But not problem-free.
Dirt bikers continue to rev amok and kids are using the new pond as a swimming pool, Davis said. One more thing: A boardwalk sure would be nice.
It's coming, city officials say. Some day.
Boardwalks and trails are part of the master plan for the site, but those items haven't been budgeted and probably won't be for several years, parks officials said.
On the bright side, the new vegetation needs a chance to grow, and too many people tromping around could stymie its development, Graham said.
"Any time you do restoration and you're dealing with something biological, it has to mature," he said.
Still, the preserve is open to the public.
If you go, bring bug spray and wear old sneakers. And tread lightly.
