Creating Bird Rookeries at Valencia Grand

Overview

Boynton Beach, FL – Valencia Grand, a premier GL Homes community, stands as a shining example of sustainable land development that integrates thoughtful ecological planning. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, the community features two man-made lakes on its west side, which are home to unique islands designed to invite native birds to create rookeries. This initiative was developed with the primary goal of fostering a wildlife habitat while enhancing the community's natural beauty.

Approach

To create these bird rookeries, GL Homes implemented a multi-step approach that prioritized long-term ecological impact:

1. Long-Term Vision:
• The development team constructed islands in the middle of the two lakes. While this feature was not a necessary component of the community design, it was added with the intent of providing a safe haven for native birds.
• The islands were strategically placed to be surrounded by water, ensuring protection from predators and creating an ideal environment for birds to rest and nest.
• Although the islands were constructed during the community’s development phase, it was understood that it would take approximately three to four years for the habitat to fully mature; the team anticipated that once cattle egrets began roosting, they would attract other bird species, eventually resulting in a thriving rookery.
2. Habitat Planning:
• Trees were planted on the islands with careful consideration of the types of birds likely to visit. These trees were selected to thrive in floodplain conditions, allowing birds like cattle egrets and wading birds to nest safely even during high-water periods.
• The water table was designed to flow into specific areas, creating a wildlife habitat zone that would naturally attract birds and support diverse ecosystems.