ECO-PARKS and NATURE RESERVES
WINKLER - PRESERVATION AREA
Accessible paths through nature preserve. Choice of three trails of ~0.5, ~1.0, ~2.0 miles. Located at the bottom end of Winkler.
LAKES PARK - LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
This 279 acre recreational park includes 158 acres of fresh water lakes for fishing, canoeing or swimming (from Memorial Day to Labor Day). A 2½ mile paved pathway for jogging, biking, and walking. Picnic pavilions, amphitheater, lodge with complete kitchen, playgrounds, aquaculture exhibit, miniature railroad and train village and a fragrance garden. Paddleboats, canoes and bicycles are available for rent.
Located on Gladiolus Drive, ½ mile west of US 41 (opposite Lowes). Per hour metered parking. Tel: (239) 432-2000
SIX MILE CYPRESS SLOUGH PRESERVE - LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
A 2,200 acre Wetland ecosystem with mile long accessible boardwalk trail, amphitheater, picnic and shelter areas, restrooms, seating enclaves and observation decks. Free guided walks every Wednesday & Saturday at 9:30 am.
Located on Penzance Boulevard along Six Mile Cypress Parkway, 1.5 miles north of Daniels Parkway, exit 131off 1-75. Per hour metered parking. Tel: (239)432-2004
DING DARLING WILD LIFE REFUGE - SANIBEL ISLAND
Ding Darling is a 5,030-acre national wilderness preserve, one of only 420 in the country. Along the refuge's five-mile drive and its nature trails, you'll have the opportunity to see alligators, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, great blue herons and other wildlife. The refuge is also a migratory bird sanctuary where wildlife management techniques and principles are used to help ensure the survival of all wildlife, both here and throughout the United States. The visitor center and rangers are available to provide information.
The five-mile drive (closed on Fridays) $5 per car. Visitor center and nature trails open daily.
CALUSA NATURE CENTER - LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
This 105 acre site has a museum, nature trails, planetarium, aviary and boardwalks that display Southwest Florida's natural history.
Located at near the junction of Ortiz Ave (extension of Six Mile Cypress Parkway) / Colonial Boulevard. Tel No (239) 275 3435
MATANZAS PASS PRESERVE - LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
A peaceful 56 acre retreat on Ft. Myers Beach, where visitors can explore a live oak hammock and mangrove forest via a wandering boardwalk and foot trail.
Located at the end of Bay Road, just off Estero Boulevard, turn at the library. Open sunrise to sunset. Free limited Parking. Tel: (239) 432-2004
MANATEE PARK - LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
Lee County's winter home (November - March) for the West Indian Manatee. This 16 acre site is open year-round and includes viewing area and lagoon, restrooms, picnic shelters, canoe launch to the Orange River, fishing cove with deck and "Ecotorium" with Manatee information and gift shop.
Location: On State Road 80, 1.5 miles east of I-75, exit 141. Per hour metered parking. Manatee viewing update line: (239) 694-3537, Facility & program information line: (239) 432-2004
LOVERS KEY STATE RECREATION AREA - FORT MYERS BEACH
This remnant maritime hammock on Black Island is host to several species of woodpeckers, hawks, owls, warblers and osprey. Rabbits, raccoons, grey squirrels, reddish egrets and roseate spoonbills are also abundant in this park. Recreational activities include boating, fishing (trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally) castnetting, canoeing, shelling and hiking.
Lovers Key State Recreation Area is located on SR 865 in Ft. Myers Beach. $4 per car. Tel: (239) 463-4588
MANATEE WORLD
This 1½ hour narrated cruise takes you into a natural manatee habitat. The tour Is dedicated to observing the manatees and other wildlife In a non-captive environment. Educational videos are shown on the waiting deck and the manatee gift shop caters to the manatee enthusiast. Open 7 days a week. Tours run at lOam, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Adults, $15 +tax, Children 12 and under, $7 +tax. Canoes, kayaks, and manatee safe pontoon boats are available for rental.
Easy access from 1-75, exit 141, just ¼ mile east on S.R. 80. Watch for the BIG orange and white striped building with the BIG manatee on the front. Tel: (239) 693-1434
CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY - NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
Through an ancient river of trees... strolling our 2.25 mile boardwalk trail is the best way to see the sights and landscapes of a Florida from long ago. In this pristine setting you will enter a primeval cathedral of towering 500 year old trees composed of the largest sub-tropical, old growth, bald-cypress forest remaining on the planet. The Sanctuary is a haven of native wildlife including alligators, otters, wood storks and other wading birds. Photo opportunities are unlimited. Come experience the forces of nature, the chatter of birds, the calling of frogs and much more. Corkscrew swamp is open every day of the year, Dec. - Apr. (7 am -5 pm); May - Nov. (8 am - 5 pm). All visitor areas are handicapped accessible.
For more information write the Sanctuary at: 375 Sanctuary Road, Naples, Florida 34120 or call (239) 348-9151