The Matanzas Pass Preserve is located on the seven-mile long barrier island of
Estero, in the town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The 60 acre preserve runs along
Matanzas Pass and is one of the few undeveloped, protected areas on the island.
As such it offers visitors a rare opportunity to view Estero Island as it was before it
became the popular beach resort that it is today.
maritime hammock and coastal grassland. The natural plant communities and
shady hammock support a variety of wildlife on land and in the estuary. In each
plant community, there exist a wide variety of native plants. Many of the plants
found in the Preserve are unique to it including Wild Cotton, Jamaican Caper,
Florida Mayten, and Cat Claw. There is also a diversity of wildlife including
raccoons, rabbits, hawks,owls, turtles, snakes, herons, fish, and songbirds. All of
these may be seen while traversing the 1.25 miles of boardwalks and trails within
the 60 acre preserve.
guided walks, tours led by an ethnobotanist, volunteer training, stress detox tours,
and the new children's educational program featuring Earth Ed. See the calendar
for coming events.
Directions: From the end of Sky Bridge at the north end of Estero Island/ Fort
Myers Beach, drive approximately 1.1 miles south to Bay Street and turn left at the
library. Follow this street until it dead ends into the parking lot beside the Historic
Cottage. The entrance to the Preserve is immediately in front of you.
Estero, in the town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The 60 acre preserve runs along
Matanzas Pass and is one of the few undeveloped, protected areas on the island.
As such it offers visitors a rare opportunity to view Estero Island as it was before it
became the popular beach resort that it is today.
maritime hammock and coastal grassland. The natural plant communities and
shady hammock support a variety of wildlife on land and in the estuary. In each
plant community, there exist a wide variety of native plants. Many of the plants
found in the Preserve are unique to it including Wild Cotton, Jamaican Caper,
Florida Mayten, and Cat Claw. There is also a diversity of wildlife including
raccoons, rabbits, hawks,owls, turtles, snakes, herons, fish, and songbirds. All of
these may be seen while traversing the 1.25 miles of boardwalks and trails within
the 60 acre preserve.
guided walks, tours led by an ethnobotanist, volunteer training, stress detox tours,
and the new children's educational program featuring Earth Ed. See the calendar
for coming events.
Directions: From the end of Sky Bridge at the north end of Estero Island/ Fort
Myers Beach, drive approximately 1.1 miles south to Bay Street and turn left at the
library. Follow this street until it dead ends into the parking lot beside the Historic
Cottage. The entrance to the Preserve is immediately in front of you.
| Map to Matanzas Pass Preserve |
Matanzas Pass Trail Map--Click to
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| Fort Myers Beach Lee County, Florida |
| Follow us on |
The Matanzas Pass Preserve
Aerial View of the Preserve--Click
to enlarge
to enlarge
| To protect, enhance, and educate about the Preserve |