Part 3 -- "Natural" Florida

"Natural" is a relative term. Let's face it, there are few, if any, places left anywhere in the country that haven't been impacted by human activity. I guess I'm defining the word "natural" to describe those areas that are screwed up the least. While we cannot go back in time and see the world as it was, we can celebrate the tracts of land that have been protected from further degradation. And, in reference to the locations that I have written about, there has been an effort to undo some of the damage. Here is my final post (for now) about areas I enjoy visiting in Southwest Florida:

Matanzas Pass Preserve
Lee County Parks & Recreation

www.leeparks.org/pdf/Matanzas.pdf
(239) 432-2004

How to get there
In Fort Myers Beach, travel south on Estero Boulevard (FL 865) just over a mile from the foot of the Fort Myers Beach bridge. Turn left on Bay Road and drive about 200 yards to the parking lot

An oasis surrounded by humanity…

One of the few natural habitats left on Estero Island, Matanzas Pass Preserve includes a historic cottage and 1.25 miles of trails through wetlands and mangroves. Look carefully for tiny mangrove tree crabs on the roots of red mangroves. Among the variety of plants and animals, you may also see  bald eagles and manatees. Free admission.

Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Lee County Parks & Recreation

www.leeparks.org/sixmile(239) 432-2004

How to get there
On Six Mile Cypress Parkway, 1.5 miles north of Daniels Parkway – Exit #131 off I-75

A 2,200 acre haven…
Bromeliads, orchids, irises and 10 different species of endangered plants and animals are found in this long, narrow preserve. As you follow the 1.2 mile boardwalk through five distinct ecological “communities,” keep an eye out for the occasional non-native armadillo. Parking fee.

Lover’s Key State Park
Florida State Parks Service

www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey
239-463-4588

How to get there
Approximately 10 miles west of Interstate 75 at exit 116. From Fort Myers Beach, drive just over seven miles south on Estero Boulevard (FL 865).

For lovers of beach and nature…Two miles of beach (with abundant shells) and five miles of hiking/biking trails make this a must see destination. Among the wildlife, you may spot manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits and bald eagles. Fee area.