HISTORY AND NATURE ESTERO BAY PRESERVE Estero Bay Preserve State Park is a large area of STATE PARK undeveloped conservation land which serves as a 3800 Corkscrew Road land buffer to protect the water, inlets and islands Estero, FL 33928 along 10 miles of Estero Bay. With the help of local support groups and the state of Florida, Estero Bay 239-992-0311 became Florida’s first aquatic preserve in 1966 and is one of the most productive estuaries in Florida. The park’s wetlands serve as a filter for non-point source pollution from the surrounding region, PARK GUIDELINES thereby protecting the bay’s water quality. The Please remember these tips and guidelines, and preservation and protection of Estero Bay’s water enjoy your visit: ESTERO BAY quality is a primary focus in managing the preserve. The preserve protects the water, inlets and islands • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. PRESERVE along 10 miles of Estero Bay and provides critical • All plants, animals and park property are habitat to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance STATE PARK plant and animal species including bald eagles, is prohibited. gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, live oaks, slash pine, • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. and red, white and black mangroves. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a hand- Invasive exotic species are a constant problem in held leash no longer than six feet and well- the preserve and are able to out-compete, displace behaved at all times. or destroy native species and their habitats. Park • Fishing and boating are allowed in designated staff are continuously battling these encroachments areas only. A Florida fishing license may be and restoring areas to native habitats. required. The park also protects several important • Fireworks, alcohol and hunting are prohibited. archeological sites associated with the Calusa Indians, European explorers and the Koreshan • To become a volunteer, call 239-992-0311 for Unity. The island of Mound Key (Mound Key State more information. Archaeological Site) is centrally located in the heart • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing of Estero Bay and was the capital of the Calusa. all visitors with equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.

FloridaStateParks.orgVisit us online at Follow us on social media Home of wetlands and wildlands FloridaStateParks.org#FLStateParks r ve Ri e Ca Esteroe Bay Preserve State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES loosahatch Estero Bay Preserve State Park contains 11,381 Shell acres of numerous habitats that protect the waters Creek of Estero Bay. The park’s natural communities Fort Myers support a productive fish nursery, which, in turn, Punta Rassa supports a significant commercial and recreational Big fishery. The park offers many excellent recreational Connie Bayou Mack opportunities including fishing, boating, canoeing/ Island Rd. Winkler kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding and wildlife viewing. The preserve is accessible at two locations: the Estero River Scrub entrance on Broadway Avenue Winkler Point Trails inset Mullock Creek West and the Winkler Point entrance on Winkler Hendry Creek Road. Suburban sights and sounds fade as you hike San Carlos Hurricane the more than 10 miles of trails that weave through Bay Island the interior of the preserve. Keep in mind that Hell some trails flood seasonally and potable water is Matanzas Pass Peckney Bay not available. Dog Key The Winkler Point trails feature coastal marshes Fort Myers Observation Beach and maritime hammocks where visitors can often Decks ulies tic Prese view ospreys and bald eagles. Two observation Island Starvation ua rve Estero River Scrub Trails inset Key Aq y decks near the marshes provide excellent viewing Blue trail: 1.14 miles a Estero River B o spots for wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. Red trail: 0.9 mile r e t s Yellow trail: 1.11 miles E Mound The Estero River Scrub location has four separate Key trails which entice visitors to hike through the State Park Black Key numerous ecosystems that make up preserve. Estero Biking Island Coon Charlie Areas of mesic flatwoods, scrub, and salt flats are Key Key home to Gopher tortoises, snakes, lizards and a Canoeing Paddling Trail (Launch at Koreshan State Park) myriad of bird species. A pavilion and restroom are located at the trailhead and numerous benches are Fishing Davis Key located throughout the preserve to allow visitors to Big Carlos Pass Black Hiking Island Estero stop and rest or just relax and take in the view. Bay Parking Lovers Watercraft can reach Estero Bay from launch sites Key at Koreshan State Park, in Estero (239) 992-0311 and State Park Pavilion Estero River at Lovers Key State Park (239) 463-4588, just south of Fort Myers Beach. For information on paddling Restrooms Blue trail: .26 mile trails in Estero Bay and surrounding areas, visit Red trail: 2.8 mile Wildlife Viewing Yellow trail: 2.5 miles Big Hickory GreatCalusaBlueway.com. Gulf of Mexico Island Orange trail: .77 mile

Broadway Channel Directions To Estero River Scrub: I-75 to Corkscrew Road exit 123. West on Bonita Corkscrew Road to U.S. 41, turn north onto U.S. 41. Turn west onto Broadway. Beach Public access point is on the north side of the road. Legend Little Hickory To Winkler Point: I-75 to Daniels Road exit 131 and go west. Turn south onto Six Island Mile Cypress Parkway.Park B Turnounda rsouthy onto Summerlin Road. Turn south onto Winkler Road. Public accessHi kpointing Tra iisl at the end. Parking located in and around cul-de-sac.

00257_Rev.01.2019 Hiking/Biking Trail Paddling Trail US Highway County Road Park Road Stabilized Park Road Unstabilized Private Road Walkways

´ ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK 0 0.5 1 2 Miles BASE MAP PAGE 1

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Aerial: 2011