This monitoring study was completed along the Lake Wales Ridge in Florida every two years from 2004-2010. The primary goal of the study was to locate new populations of invasive climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum). Additionally, other major concentrations of invasive species were noted when feasible. The project was a collaborative effort with federal, state and local agencies in the region, with helicopter support provided by the local water management district. After the 2004 survey the region had very active hurricane seasons. Thus, in 2006 the survey was repeated because of the increased chance that the climbing vine had spread. The study's methods changed somewhat each
time, and the survey area changed to include new areas of interest, which limited the ability to discern and make conclusions on population level trends. The study resulted in plenty of information generated about the size and number of climbing vine occurrences and how they changed over time in a limited area. It also led to significant management efforts to control them on the ground, which proved very successful.