Gator Hole Preserve is located in southeastern Lee County, on the north side of Corkscrew Road. It is near a 60,000-acre wildlife corridor that includes Flint Pen Strand, Imperial Marsh and the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW).

This 175-acre preserve consists primarily of wet and mesic flatwoods, as well as dome swamp, depression marsh and wet prairie. These seasonal wetlands serve as important habitat for a variety of wildlife and wading birds. More than 250 plant species and 120 animal species have been documented at the preserve. The number of plant species increased dramatically, by more than 100 species, once invasive exotic plant species were removed and prescribed burning was introduced.

Management at this preserve is focused on improving habitat for gopher tortoises, which are relocated to this preserve due to Lee County road-widening and infrastructure projects. Restoration activities include removing and minimizing the spread of invasive exotic plant species, roller-chopping and mowing thick palmetto vegetation, pine tree thinning and prescribed burns.

Gator Hole Preserve Wildlife Species List
Gator Hole Preserve Plant Species List