Wellington to spend $1.4M to restore 45 acres of ‘urban forest’
WELLINGTON — The village has received a $747,500 federal grant to rehabilitate 45 acres it has added to the Wellington Environmental Preserve.
Wellington will match the funds from the grant to invest a total of $1.4 million to restore the site, known as the Moncada property, along Flying Cow Road into a wetland, which will protect homes and businesses in Wellington’s western reaches from flooding.
The money will cover the cost of removing invasive species and planting 700 Florida native trees in the 45 acres and blend the land into the 410-acre preserve. It will also pay for the installation of walking and horse trails, picnic tables, a wildlife observation area and a learning center with a botanical garden.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, announced the grant on Jan. 25, saying the federal government was pleased to partner with Wellington “to restore your urban forest.”
Village Council member Michael Napoleone said the grant is a testament to Wellington’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.