Isl and HOMe islander Tackling invasive mother-in-law’s tongue

By SANIBEL VEGETATION COMMITTEE

(Editor's note: This is part of a series of articles by members of the city of Sanibel's Vegetation Committee dealing with vegetative matters of concern to island residents )

Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria hyacinthoides), also known as bowstring hemp or snake plant, is one of the eight regulated invasive exotic plants threatening Sanibel's natural areas Originating in the southern tropics and Africa, the plant was used for making bow strings, cordage, ropes, mats, and nets It can thrive in dry climates and rough terrain, but also in moist conditions virtually anywhere without care The plant was introduced in Florida about 1800 as an ornamental plant and fiber crop. Growing wild in South Florida, it was deemed a nuisance in 1951 because the stout and creeping rhizomes (a horizontally-growing underground stem that puts out lateral shoots and adventitious roots) eventually produce a dense groundcover that effectively excludes desirable native vegetation

Small wildflower with a statewide impact

Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii) is a native wildflower found in nearly every Florida county In South Florida, the cultivar of tickseed blooms yearround with spring being its peak flowering season

Tickseed has showy y e l l o w p e t a l s , w i t h a brownish center and the little flowers are about a half-inch to just over 1 inch in diameter The little flowers are perched on long spindly stems, w i t h s i m p l e l e a v e s , bringing all the attention t o t h e b r i g h t y e l l o w flowers as they wave in the breeze The plant is very attractive to butterflies and is easily adaptable to a wide array of growing conditions, from dry roadway plantings to wetter areas.

The tickseed is a commonly used wildflower found in the roadside median plantings along highways in Florida The Florida Department of Transportation's roadside right-of-way wildflower program began in 1963 In addition to the aesthetic attributes of roadside wildflowers, the Florida DOT noted that wildflower plantings would increase driver alertness, which can only help

Another interesting fact about this particular tickseed (Coreopsis), Leavenworth tickseed was named after Melines Conklin Leavenworth (1796-1862), who was a Yale graduate, botanist, Army surgeon and explorer She collected plant specimens in the southeastern United States, Mexico and Central America and, eventually, settled in Augusta, Georgia This little beauty was discovered by a very interesting woman and has been put on display up and down the highways of Florida Let it put on a show of its own in your landscape

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

Mother-in-law's tongue is a succulent, stemless perennial with long, slightly twisted slender blades The fibrous blades are green striped with yellow or gray and can be up to 50 inches tall The plant has a showy scape up to 3 feet tall with tubular white flowers The rhizome base emerges from the ground as white, but then maturing to bright orange. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested

Because it adapts easily to all growing environments on Sanibel, it is difficult to control The best removal technique is physical removal by digging The rhizomes are fragile and break easily when pulled by the leaves However, recent saltwater deposits on commercial and residential properties have caused damage to vegetation, mother-in-law's tongue included What used to be a daunting task to eradicate from a property may now be easier with simple hand-removal methods as the rhi-

Resprouting is likely if any part of the plant remains and continuous maintenance is recommended Due to the waxy coating on the blade, chemical combinations are moderately effective, therefore physical removal is best

Please remember that mother-in-law's tongue is only one of the eight regulated invasive exotic plants on Sanibel The others include Brazilian pepper, earleaf acacia, exotic inkberry, java plum, melaleuca, lead tree, and air potato These species are not permitted to be grown, sold, or propagated on Sanibel; upon issuance of a city development permit, they are required to be removed from the parcel, which must be maintained free of these plants in perpetuity. Any invasive vegetation should be bagged and put out as garbage, not as vegetation waste Good native replacement plants would include wild coffee, stoppers, myrsine, and leather fern

For more information and articles, visit www mysanibel com/Departments/Natural-Resources

F.I.S.H. continues to provide furniture, food

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is distributing furniture through the Hurricane Ian Point of Distribution (POD) program on Fridays from 1 to 2 p m at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel The program is available to SanibelCaptiva residents and workers on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Items may include, but are not limited to, mattresses, bed frames, chairs, tables, accent furniture and more

In addition, F I S H has been able to secure additional items for the food pantry from its partners, as well as donations from individuals, foundations and businesses

It has even started to receive pet products While it does not have the capacity to stock cold or frozen items, F I S H does have shelf-stable products and fruits and vegetables, thanks to partners at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market.

For more information on either program, contact Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez at 239-4724775 or manuela@fishofsancap org For more about F I S H , visit https://www fishofsancap org/

Land use information now available via online maps

The city of Sanibel's Future Land Use Map Series is now available through online GIS maps

To view it, visit https://sanibel maps arcgis com/apps/ webappviewer/index html?id=3da5033bdad449bfa348 961f97080358/

The city reported that there are multiple map layers that may be selected to help one determine the development standards and uses allowed on a parcel The Layer List can be accessed through the icon in the top right corner of the screen Properties are searchable by address when the Lee County Parcels layer is checked

The following information may be chosen to display over an aerial photograph:

Coastal Construction Control Lines (CCCL)

∫ The 1974 CCCL delineates the city's construction limit setback and the landward limit of the Gulf Beach Zone

∫ The 1991 CCCL: A CCCL permit is required from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Coastal Protection Division for construction occurring waterward of this CCCL For more information about a CCCL permit, visit https://floridadep gov/rcp/coastal- construction-control-line/forms/cccl-permit-application.

Sanibel (FLUMS) Local Drainage Areas

This layer shows lower areas that are known to hold water after storms and in the rainy season

Sanibel (FLUMS) Special Use Districts

This layer identifies properties with a Special Use District Clicking on the property with this layer checked will provide the ordinance number approving the Special Use District For more information about a Special Use D i s t r i c t , v i s i t h t t p s : / / l i b r a r y m u n i c o d e c o m / f l /sanibel/codes/code of ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO CH126ZO ARTXISPUSDI

Sanibel (FLUMS) Commercial Zoning Map

This layer delineates the General Commercial District, Town Center General Commercial District and Town Center Limited Commercial District For more informat i o n a b o u t a G e n e r a l C o m m e r c i a l D i s t r i c t , v i s i t https://library municode com/fl/sanibel/codes/code of o rdinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO CH126ZO ARTVIIICODI DIV2GCGECODI

For more information about

See ONLINE MAPS, page 21

Recipe of the Week: Southwest Steak Salad with Chimichurri Sauce

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Students at my cooking school often ask me what makes a good salad A salad is a dish consisting of items that work well together and that are tied together with a sauce They can be composed of multiple food groups (vegetables, fruit, meat, pasta, grains, herbs, et cetera) and can be served at all different times in a meal These are the five must do's to make a good salad: all ingredients must be washed and dried properly; all food used should look great; ingredients should be as fresh as possible (seasonal is always better); salad combinations should be a balance of flavors and textures; and salad should be well seasoned I love preparing this particular southwest salad ahead and having it ready in my refrigerator for any occasion A great balance of texture and flavor, it makes a delicious meal Serves eight (Chef tip: Do not overwork your salad when tossing it or it will look bruised )

1 flank steak, total weight 2 pounds

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground

1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 medium hearts of romaine, trim and chopped

BIG ARTS Calendar

BIG ARTS, at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

Workshop

T h e J o y o f W r i t i n g w i t h V i c k y Lettmann today, March 8, from 10 a m to 1 p.m. at BIG ARTS. Cost is $39 for donors and $48 for non-donors

Workshop Landscape Oil Painting En Plein Air with Douglas David on March 14 from 9 a m t o 1 p m a t

Ave , Fort Myers Cost is $96 for donors and $120 for non-donors

Pre-registration is required for workshops by contacting 239-395-0900 or info@bigarts org

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www bigarts org or call 239-395-0900

CROW Calendar

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, will present the following:

∫ Today, March 8

Speaker Series at 1 p m

B a i l e y - M a t t h e w s N a t i o n a l S h e l l Museum Science Director and curator Dr José H Leal will present “Hurricanes and Mollusks” via Zoom He will give an overview of the effects of major storms on mollusks, including potential damage to local populations caused by winds, storm surge, hurricane-induced pollution and other outcomes of tropical storms. Cost is free or by donation To register, visit https://www eventbrite com/o/clinic-fort h e - r e h a b i l i t a t i o n - o f - w i l d l i f e - c r o w -

32068914951

CROW's campus on Sanibel is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t h t t p : / / www crowclinic org/ or call 239-4723644

Opportunity to let God’s love shine

I have several pieces of artwork that people have given me through the years These works are meaningful not just because they were lovingly made, but also because the artist gifted them Creating somet h i n g b e a u t i f u l i s n i c e

Giving it away is nicer still

Shortly after coming to S a i n t M i c h a e l a n d A l l Angels Episcopal Church, Patty Sprankle gave me a piece that I really treasure Patty works in porcelain and paints beautifully She had created a piece that depicted the angel window in the back of our church It shows winged angels hovering between earth and heaven

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Faces on Faith

After she had finished the piece, it was lying flat on the table and one of the tools s h e u s e s f o r h e r w o r k slipped from her hand and fell directly into the middle of painting, breaking the porcelain into seven pieces like a pie

Her first reaction was heartbreak She thought the piece was ruined, but then s h e s t e p p e d b a c k a n d looked more carefully She put the pieces back together and fused them with a gold-colored material

The work is now more beautiful than ever The a n g e l s a r e u n i t e d w i t h shimmering gold radiating out from the center. Out of the brokenness, something beautiful has been born

“Out of the brokenness, something beautiful will be born ” I remind myself of this as I drive around our beloved island

8 wine ripe tomatoes cut into quarters

1 red onion peeled cut in half and sliced

Light the grill or heat a grill pan Rub flank steak with vinegar and oil Sprinkle with oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place in a non-reactive dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour

Grill steak over high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning once Brush the marinade mixture all over the steak and grill for five minutes longer for medium Temperature on an instant thermometer should be 135 degrees Transfer to a cutting board and let stand for 20 minutes

Thinly slice the flank steak across the grain Arrange the romaine on a platter and add sliced steak, tomatoes and red onions Drizzle with the chimichurri sauce and serve

Chimichurri sauce: (makes one cup)

1 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

4 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt, to taste

Sugar, to taste

Place all ingredients, except the salt and sugar, in a blender and pulse until uniformly and finely chopped Adjust seasoning to taste with small amounts of salt and sugar

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www batyam org/, https://www facebook com/batyamsanibel/

Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p m at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail com

∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea

11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www captivachapel com/, www facebook com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea

Rev Larry Marshall

In-person service on Sundays at 11 a m through April Services will be videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page Services from the past season can also be found online

∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida org

Lecture and discussion on Thursday at 11 a m via Zoom Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a m via Zoom Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p m via Zoom Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a m via Zoom For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com.

∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church

2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ Sanibel Community Church

1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch com/, https://www facebook com/sanibelchurch/

Pastor Jeramie Rinne

Sunday service at 10 a m in the SCC Sanctuary Sunday service at 4 p m at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday

∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www facebook com/sanibelucc/

Senior Minister Dr Mark Boyea

Sunday service at 10 a m at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers

∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church

3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www saintisabel org/, https://www facebook com/stisabelcatholicchurch/

Father Ed Martin

Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services

∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/

Rev William “Bill” Van Oss

Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a m at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers Sunday service at 11:30 a m at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall these days I see plants coming back to life I see the debris being removed I see roofing and painting I also see people reaching out to care for those who are hurting I see volunteers helping with clean up I see neighbors more closely connected