Estero Bay

HISTORY AND NATURE ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a large area of undeveloped conservation land which serves as a land buffer to protect the water, inlets and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay. With the help of local support groups and the state of Florida, Estero Bay became Florida’s first aquatic preserve in 1966 and is one of the most productive estuaries in Florida. The park’s wetlands serve as a filter for non-point source pollution from the surrounding region, thereby protecting the bay’s water quality. The preservation and protection of Estero Bay’s water quality is a primary focus in managing the preserve. The preserve protects the water, inlets and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay and provides critical habitat to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, live oaks, slash pine, and red, white and black mangroves. Invasive exotic species are a constant problem in the preserve and are able to out-compete, displace or destroy native species and their habitats. Park staff are continuously battling these encroachments and restoring areas to native habitats. The park also protects several important archeological sites associated with the Calusa Indians, European explorers and the Koreshan Unity. The island of Mound Key (Mound Key State Archaeological Site) is centrally located in the heart of Estero Bay and was the capital of the Calusa. 3800 Corkscrew Road Estero, FL 33928 239-992-0311 PARK GUIDELINES Please remember these tips and guidelines, and enjoy your visit: • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and wellbehaved at all times. • Fishing and boating are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Fireworks, alcohol and hunting are prohibited. • To become a volunteer, call 239-992-0311 for more information. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors with equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. FloridaStateParks.org Visit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK Home of wetlands and wildlands r ve Ri Estero Bay Preserve State Park e C al e o tch EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES osaha Estero Bay Preserve State Park contains 11,381 acres of numerous habitats that protect the waters of Estero Bay. The park’s natural communities support a productive fish nursery, which, in turn, supports a significant commercial and recreational fishery. The park offers many excellent recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, canoeing/ kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding and wildlife viewing. Shell Creek Fort Myers Winkler Rd. Punta Rassa Connie Mack Island The preserve is accessible at two locations: the Estero River Scrub entrance on Broadway Avenue West and the Winkler Point entrance on Winkler Road. Suburban sights and sounds fade as you hike the more than 10 miles of trails that weave through the interior of the preserve. Keep in mind that some trails flood seasonally and potable water is not available. Big Bayou Winkler Point Trails inset Mullock Creek d en H ry Hurricane Bay Mata k ee Cr San Carlos Island nzas The Winkler Point trails feature coastal marshes and maritime hammocks where visitors can often view ospreys and bald eagles. Two observation decks near the marshes provide excellent viewing spots for wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. Pass Fort Myers Beach Observation Decks Estero River Scrub Trails inset Hell Peckney Bay Dog Key Julies Island Starvation atic Preserve qu Key yA Este ro Ba Blue trail: 1.14 miles Red trail: 0.9 mile Yellow trail: 1.11 miles The Estero River Scrub location has four separate trails which entice visitors to hike through the numerous ecosystems that make up preserve. Areas of mesic flatwoods, scrub, and salt flats are home to Gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards and a myriad of bird species. A pavilion and restroom are located at the trailhead and numerous benches are located throughout the preserve to allow visitors to stop and rest or just relax and take in the view. Estero Island Biking Mound Key State Park Black Key Coon Key lin dd los Car s Pas Black Island un La Hiking K at ch Orange trail: .77 mile Gulf of Mexico ) Yellow trail: 2.5 miles Red trail: 2.8 mile rk Wildlife Viewing Pa Blue trail: .26 mile te Restrooms Estero Bay ta Estero River Pavilion Davis Key Lovers Key State Park nS ha es or Parking Big Hickory Island dw oa To Estero River Scrub: I-75 to Corkscrew Road exit 123. West on Corkscrew Road to U.S. 41, turn north onto U.S. 41. Turn west onto Broadway. Public access point is on the north side of the road. Legend To Winkler Point: I-75 to Daniels Road exit 131 and go west. Turn south onto Six Park Boundary Mile Cypress Parkway. Turn south onto Summerlin Road. Turn south onto Winkler Hiking Trailis at the end. Parking located in and around cul-de-sac. Road. Public access point Hiking/Biking Trail C ay el nn ha Br Directions 00257_Rev.01.2019 Big il ( ra gT Fishing Watercraft can reach Estero Bay from launch sites at Koreshan State Park, in Estero (239) 992-0311 and at Lovers Key State Park (239) 463-4588, just south of Fort Myers Beach. For information on paddling trails in Estero Bay and surrounding areas, visit GreatCalusaBlueway.com. Charlie Key Pa Canoeing Estero River Bonita Beach Little Hickory Island