This preserve totaling 428 acres in Bonita Springs consists of several natural plant communities, including wet flatwoods, live oak hammocks, freshwater marshes and cypress. This diversity of plant communities makes it very beneficial to wildlife, including many wading bird species, as well as the Florida Black Bear, Florida Panther and fox squirrel.
The preserve is adjacent to the 3,921-acre Larry Kiker Preserve, acquired in 2017 as the second largest land purchase in the history of the Conservation 20/20 program. Both of these preserves are located within Lee County's Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource Area (DR/GR), the area from which the county collects the majority of its drinking water from underground aquifers. Maintaining this land as open space has many benefits, including natural flood protection and preserving a wetland system that naturally purifies surface waters. These benefits have been additionally enhanced through restoration efforts at this preserve, including removing a large monoculture of melaleuca, an invasive exotic plant species.
Recreation Opportunities:
Bird Watching, Hiking (Unmarked or Fire Lines), Nature Study/Photography
Hidden Cypress Preserve Trail Map
Preserve Links:
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