This preserve is located on both sides of Pine Island Road, along the shoreline of Pine Island Creek, and directly across from the state-owned Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank Preserve.
Purchased with financial assistance from the Calusa Land Trust, Buttonwood Preserve contains important wetland communities such as mangroves and salt marshes. Mangroves serve as a nursery for juvenile fish, a primary food source for many animals and wading and shore bird species. Mangroves also work to filter water to remove any pollutants and excess nutrients.
The upland portions of this preserve have become overrun with invasive exotic tree species, particularly melaleuca and Australian pine. Efforts to remove these trees are underway and will restore this area to a native hydric pine flatwoods ecosystem. Eventually, this community will become a perfect home for eagles, osprey, beautiful pawpaw, and other listed species.
There is no public access currently available at this preserve. Nearby Conservation 20/20 preserves with public access include Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve and Galt Preserve.
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