Keeney House
Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve (TMAP) staff assisted Tomoka State Park (TSP) staff and volunteers with clearing vegetation and removing accumulated debris from the historic Keeney House site, located on an island along the Tomoka Marsh. Cleanup efforts removed various types of trash, including bottles, a barrel, discarded chairs, and fishing line, helping improve the site's condition and reduce potential hazards to local wildlife. The remaining historic features include the home's chimney and a seawall, offering a glimpse into the area's cultural history and the longstanding connection between local communities and Florida's waterways.
The site is being prepared for a future interpretive marsh hike developed collaboratively by TMAP and Tomoka State Park staff. The hike will highlight the area's history while educating visitors about the surrounding marsh ecosystem and the importance of protecting Florida's coastal resources. The experience is planned to be offered through the respective Citizen Support Organization (CSO) nonprofits, supporting public engagement and conservation education. Maintaining and highlighting the Keeney House site provides an opportunity to preserve local heritage while connecting visitors to the cultural and ecological significance of the Tomoka River. These efforts support TMAP and park staff's shared goals of environmental education, historical interpretation, habitat protection, and long-term stewardship of Florida's natural and cultural resources.