Hole-in-the-Donut (HID)

NPS photo by Dylann Turffs

Long before the establishment of Everglades National Park, large parcels of farmland near present-day Paradise Key were privately owned. Farming occurred between 1915 and 1970. In 1970, the National Park Service (NPS) started purchasing the land. By 1975, the NPS had acquired all 6,600 acres. Characteristics of the farmed soil enabled the growth of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) which is an aggressive, non-native species, that outcompetes native vegetation for resources and grew in a vast monoculture. Because this disturbed acreage was surrounded by native communities, the area was dubbed the "Hole-in-the-Donut" or HID.

Starting in 1989, a large-scale restoration effort (land clearing) began at the HID to permanently remove the Brazilian pepper and restore the area to its natural state: about 85% was marl prairie wetland and the remainder was pine rockland. The work was able to be accomplished because the HID was developed into a mitigation bank, established under the regulations found in section 404 of the Clean Water Act, enacted in 1972. Land clearing was completed in June 2022. Since land clearing has been completed, wetland plants have become reestablished and wading birds and other animals have become regular visitors. Park scientists will continue to monitor the area in perpetuity as part of their goal to protect and preserve Everglades National Park.