Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Fort Myers, Florida: A highway for wildlife, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve provides a safe corridor for wildlife to travel from northern Lee County to the safe haven of the Estero Bay Preserve. The preserve is home to many wildlife and plant species.

The preserve actually got its start thanks to hard work of a group of students. In 1976, he students were working on a project when they learned how quickly natural habitats and ecosystems were diminishing due to development. The group petitioned to preserve some of this natural landscape and won the support of Lee County residents. The result of their hard work saved the slough from development and led to the nature preserve opening to the public in 1991.

Today, thousands of visitors come to the preserve to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the one mile boardwalk. The boardwalk meanders through 80 acres of the 2,500 acre preserve, allowing visitors to learn about the different ecosystems within the preserve as well as view the animals that call the preserve home.

Throughout the journey, you will encounter five distinct ecosystems; pine flatwoods, hardwood transition, flag pond, hammock and cypress slough. Within these ecosystems lies the home to alligators, wading birds, raccoons, turkey, hawks, squirrels and more. The preserve also provides habitat for migratory guests such as bobcats, otters, deer and even bears.

In addition to the trail, the preserve also has an interpretive center which houses many exhibits about the preserve and its wildlife.

The preserve is open daily from dawn till dusk. Volunteers operate guided tours throughout the week to help visitors learn more about the preserve. Admission to the preserve is free, however there is a $1 an hour/$5 max parking fee charged to help maintain the preserve.

Click on the photo above to view my Six Mile Cypress photo gallery.

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