Apair of small man-made islands, adjacent to the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, were constructed last year to help restore critical marine habitats so fish, oysters and wildlife will return to an area known as Grassy Flats. Previously, this area supported very little marine life because of accumulated muck. The project was spearheaded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Palm Beach County Envi- ronmental Resources Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with support from other government entities and community organizations. Construction of the islands was accomplished by gradually spreading 51,000 cubic yards of sand over 13 acres of the lagoon using specialized equipment. The sand, which was broadcasted much like a seed spreader, was used to cap the muck sediments on the lagoon seafloor and construct the two islands. Thousands of tons of limestone rock were placed around the islands to armor them from erosive wave action. The effort is part of a broader initiative to restore natural habitat and improve water quality in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The West Palm Beach Fishing Club was one of the project partners and will assist with monitor- ing efforts as the islands mature. Dozens of WPBFC members participated in the final planting phase of the project. Preliminary signs of the restoration’s success were immediately apparent. Armies of fiddler crabs, schools of finger mullet and a variety of birdlife could be seen. Ameri- can oystercatchers and least terns began nesting on the newly created islands soon after they were built. Both are state-listed imperiled species. WPBFC members who frequent this area of the lagoon are encouraged to send the club reports on the fish- ing, wildlife viewed or any other related observations that will help us continue to evaluate how this habitat restoration project is performing. If you would like to participate in future habitat restoration efforts the WPBFC takes part in, call the club at (561) 832-6780 and we'll add you to our volunteer list. Fishing Club Members help with Grassy Flats Project The PBCFF was recognized with a Proclaimation from the PB Co. Commission for being one of the project partners. 32 West Palm Beach Fishing Club Marcia Fick & Tom Eastwood Jeff Malsky & Willie Howard William & Devon Simons Sandy & Butch Farrell Ken Wright & Hank Davis Doug & Pat Broxson Jean & Ty Pfendler Bill Cresswell