Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed of Florida

As a resident of SWFL for decades I’ve always heard of C.R.E.W. but never visited it.  Finally, during a tour with Leadership Bonita I was able to visit and discover what it was about.  This is certainly the abbreviated version and a means for you to find the website and visit the  CREW. trails yourself. I can share that I certainly waited too long.  So what is CREW?

CREW Land & Water Trust VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The CREW Land and Water Trust is a private, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the water resources and natural communities in and around the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). We do that by coordinating the land acquisition, land management, and public use of this 60,000-acre watershed in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. CREW is the largest intact watershed in southwest Florida, straddling Lee and Collier Counties. CREW’s majestic 5,000-acre sawgrass marsh is the headwaters for the entire watershed which includes the National Audubon Society’s famous Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary directly to the south.

In addition to what CREW does for our precious water supply, there over five thousand acres of sawgrass marsh with five miles of walking trails and boardwalks that go through wetlands, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, a pop ash slough.  A variety of the flowers that can easily be found on a walk through the CREW trails is in the photos for you to review.  There are also a variety of birds in the area that can be seen and heard.  Nesting red shoulder hawks were on the edge of one trail we followed.

The best part of visiting the CREW trails is that they are free, open seven days per week from sun up to sundown.  The CREW trails are great if you’re looking for Things To Do with kids or just things to do in Bonita Springs or Estero.  It’s a short drive and free and free is for me!  Click the map for directions.

To learn more about CREW visit their official website: www.crewtrust.org questions about crew can be directed to crewtrust@earthlink.net or 239-657-2253.

CREW Land & Water Trust

23998 Corkscrew Road

Estero, Florida 33928

239-657-2253

Island Park The Imperial River Downtown Bonita Springs

A fun series of pictures of a super dog catching air to get his tennis ball.  He did this many dozens of times and never tired in the least.  By the way, Island Park is a hidden treasure in Bonita Springs.  You should go search for it and drop by Depot Park Playground next door, too.

Latest Expansion at Depot Park at Riverside Park

If you’d like to visit Depot Park or Riverside Park in Downtown Bonita Springs Florida, click the map below for directions.  Parking is free, entry to the park is free. Pets are permitted.

Depot Park at Riverside Park Bonita Springs Florida

The Imperial River Bridge From Depot to Island Park

Which Parks Allow Dogs in The Bonita Springs Area?

The Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area currently offer three pet friendly parks.  The rules for pet friendly parks are posted at the park but general rules include; pets must be vaccinated, clean up after your pets, no aggressive or dangerous pets.

Estero Community Center Dog Park offers a fenced pet friendly facility that permits dogs being off leash.

Dog Beach Near Lover’s Key offers an area of beach which is not fenced.  Off leash is permitted.

River Park at Imperial River is the newest park in Bonita Springs and Estero. It is not completely fenced but is partially bordered by the Imperial River. 

The River Park is so new that the official park rules are not posted, however, there are dog waste bag stations to indicate that pets are permitted.  River Park will be one of the largest parks when completed with a total of about 18 acres of parkland Bonita Springs real estate.

Click the park’s links above for further information or the map below to locate a pet friendly park.

  The Newest Park in Bonita Springs | Imperial River

River Park in Bonita Springs is the latest addition to Bonita Springs Parks.  The name “River Park”, not to be confused with Riverside Park, is because this park also is located on the Imperial River. 

The location of River Park is at the Imperial River Bridge on US 41 Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs, Florida on the west side near (and sort of behind) the K-mart store.  River Park is on the opposite side of US 41 from the Imperial River Boat Ramp.

The first phase of River Park currently offers acres of open, free space plus a two boardwalks which lead thru mangrove estuaries to the Imperial River and a lengthy span of floating boat docks. Future phases of improvement will likely occur at the eighteen acre River Park location.

If you’re a Bonita Springs boater or you are going to Canoe the Imperial River you now have a destination to stop, take a break, tie up and enjoy lunch, or a place to pick up or drop off passengers. 

From River Park, boaters and canoers are within walking distance to K-mart, Publix, Subway Sandwich Store, plus a few convenience and drug stores. 

River Park will also be a great location to enjoy seasonal events, such as the Bonita Springs Boat Parade.  At this time, parking at River Park is limited and there are no rest room facilities. Since River Park is within close proximity to a nesting American Bald Eagle, the park will remain as-is until the hatchlings have fledged and construction can begin again.  Eagle nesting is October 1 thru May 15.

If you’re looking for things to do and would like to visit the new River Park on the Imperial River follow the map below:

No running, chasing, leading, following, barking or splashing.

Size doesn’t matter, but …

If your dogs legs are less than three inches long, they must swim in packs.

Definitely no galloping or jumping … or smiling.

Stare down, staring matches and blue eye hypnotism will barely be tolerated.

Pretend you’re having fun even when you’re thoroughly miserable.

Obey all commands, that man behind you is following you … not running after you.

No sniffing butts.

“Finders keepers” is considered beach policy with toys and food. 

Sea gulls are point-worthy, same as pheasant and duck.

If you’re interested in the legit rules of dog beach read also: Dog Beach Rules

To break every one of these rules use this map to find dog beach:

Gulf Access via Public Boat Ramp

Bay Park North is one of the best kept secret boat ramps in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It’s located at the north end of Little Hickory Island.  It is, quite literally, a secret.  Oddly, it’s not on a city of Bonita Springs  or county parks map as a facility.

The easiest way to find the boat ramp park is to drive north on Hickory Boulevard to the Big Hickory Seafood Grille and Marina.  Bay Park North is tucked away at the the base of the bridge on the east side of Hickory Blvd.

Bay Park North offers speedy access to the Gulf of Mexico via Big Hickory Pass and the Great Calusa Blueway trails.  Parking is free but limited.  Rules of parking include unhooking your boat trailer from your vehicle and taking a little space as possible. 

Bay Park North is a tiny little park with a lot to offer.  This is a view of the mangroves across Big Hickory Pass at Broadway Channel.  Happy Boating.  Click the link if you need a copy of the Blueway Map.

Driving Directions to North Bay Park

Click Map Below

Top Secret Park Entry on Riverside Drive

Everyone knows how to get to Riverside Park from Old 41 or Pennsylvania Avenue.  Did you know there is a secret foot path from South Riverside Drive just off of West Terry Street?  Well, there is.  This is how you find it … if you know where South Riverside Drive is look for that tree up above.  If you don’t know where South Riverside Drive is here is a map.

Across the street from that cool Wizard of Oz tree is this sign and walk way.  It’s a WALK way.  There is no parking lot.  You should probably be walking or at the most on a bike.  No cars.

Here’s a closer look at that sign:

After you go through the entry you get to walk by a very pretty garden that a private home owner keeps.  No touchie!  He’s a very nice man, by the way, and told me all about the owls that live back in the park.  You should probably look for owls back there, by the way.  A dozen yards in you’ll see this: 

Half way over the bridge look to your right and you’ll see this:

If you want to see the rest of Riverside and Island Parks in greater down town Olde Bonita Springs, Florida you’ll have to take a walk back there yourself.  The park is free, by the way, so it would be a great thing to do with your family.    If you’re looking for things to do in Bonita Springs take a Frisbee or something and enjoy the parks that are sitting there waiting.

Check out the park I “enjoyed” last week [sarcasm]:

Estero Bay Preserve State Park | Estero Florida

Things to Do at Riverside Park | Bonita Springs, Fl

This Friday, April 10, enjoy Evenings in the Park
Six Artists – Six Cottages – 5:00pm – 8:00pm
A delightful evening with friends, meeting the artists while enjoying music, wine and refreshments.

Sunday, April 12, 2009, 2:00pm (Happy Easter!)
Free Concert – Bonita Springs Concert Band
Bring chairs and refreshments!

Every Wednesday – 8:00am – 1:00 pm NOW THRU MAY!
Farmer’s Market

Here’s a handy, dandy map to the Bandshell at Riverside Park.  It’s on Old 41, you can’t accidentally drive by it. I swear.