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 experience Estero Island as it was
before becoming the popular beach resort that it is today.
community by clicking on it's name): mangrove swamp, maritime hammock,
coastal grassland, and Black Mangrove forest. The natural plant communities and
shady hammock support a variety of wildlife both on land and in Estero Bay. In
each plant community, there exists a wide variety of native plants. Many of the
plants are unique to the Preserve and include 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.
Directions: After accessing Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach via the Sky Bridge,
continue south on Estero Blvd. for approximately 1.1 miles. Turn left on Bay
Street at the the Fort Myers Beach Library. Follow Bay Street to the dead end
where the Preserve parking lot is located adjacent to the Historic Cottage. The
entrance to the Preserve is immediately in front of you. ENJOY!
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 experience Estero Island as it was
before becoming the popular beach resort that it is today.
community by clicking on it's name): mangrove swamp, maritime hammock,
coastal grassland, and Black Mangrove forest. The natural plant communities and
shady hammock support a variety of wildlife both on land and in Estero Bay. In
each plant community, there exists a wide variety of native plants. Many of the
plants are unique to the Preserve and include 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.
Directions: After accessing Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach via the Sky Bridge,
continue south on Estero Blvd. for approximately 1.1 miles. Turn left on Bay
Street at the the Fort Myers Beach Library. Follow Bay Street to the dead end
where the Preserve parking lot is located adjacent to the Historic Cottage. The
entrance to the Preserve is immediately in front of you. ENJOY!
| Map to Matanzas Pass Preserve |
Matanzas Pass Trail Map--Click to
enlarge
enlarge
| Fort Myers Beach Lee County, Florida |
| Follow us on |
Matanzas Pass aerial view--Click
to enlarge
to enlarge
The Matanzas Pass Preserve
| To protect, enhance, and educate about the Preserve |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Coming Events: National Trails Day will be held at the Matanzas Pass Preserve on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 9:30 to 1:30. Sponsored by The Red Coconut RV Park on Fort Myers Beach. |