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

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.

A Free Park to Hike in Estero, Florida

For some time I’ve been wanting to hike the Estero Bay Preserve.  It’s at the West end of Broadway (via US 41), about a half of a mile north of Corkscrew Road.  I finally made the trip.

See this creepy little dragon fly?  This is one of the many creatures, great and small, to be seen and experienced in the Estero Bay Preserve.  Just look at the notes others left behind regarding what they saw there.  Remember, to tell the truRth.  Hey, at least deAr was spelled correctly.

Sidebar:  Armadios sounds the same as armadillos en Espanol so you have got to love that misspell, instant classic.

  Wild Hogs, Raccoons, Armadillos ‘n’ Snakes

I’ve also driven past this sign and seen other things like skunks and stuff so user beware.  On this hike, I did see where the wild hogs had rooted up soil and dozens of footprint from them, raccoons and such.  The path will lead you right along side the Estero River, by the way. There were people in canoes and swimmers taking a dip.

Canoeing the Estero River

While I was taking this photo was right about the time that a swarm of bugs found us.  Besides the usual mosquitoes, there was horse flies, deer flies, someone said yellow flies, someone said cut flies.  I don’t know and I don’t care because it made us walk really fast, which combined with the heat made for a turn of events, the likes of which I’m just getting over.

We were walking through a wetland path with the cutest fiddler crabs scurrying every where.  I would have taken pictures for you but I was too busy swatting flies and trying to not catch West Nile or Meningitis.  *She who is slow or pauses for photos gets stung and bit a lot.*

It wasn’t long after hustling past the fiddler crabs that we decided to turn back because it was getting worse.  I really thought it was but I was trying not to be a big, huge baby, quitter.

There were a couple of times the trees got tippy on me and was a little disoriented. I ended coming through the gate at Armada Court, climbed the fence and, after helping a gopher tortoise get un-stuck from the fence, promptly left my delicious, Terri’s Summer Breeze Cafe breakfast on the side of the road, no where near this tortoise.  (It’s a $500 fine for messing with one of these suckers.  I bet barfing on/near one is a punishable offense.)

Do Not Molest a Gopher Tortoise – $500 Fine

If you’ve made it through this tale, this far, you should know that the rest of the day was filled with involuntary muscle cramping all over my body, a little more punies, dizziness, hallucinations and I was a little meaner than usual.

For the record, I had sunscreen on, frozen water and was hydrated, light colored clothes and I assumed that I was prepared.  Florida just kicked my butt on a random Sunday in the year of our Lord 2009.  I mention that because, again, I was laying in bed, sick as a dog, watching Clint Eastwood movies and now that saying is stuck in my head … again.

What I saw of this park was great and I can’t wait to complete the whole big trail, which was one of three at varying lengths from a short loop to about five miles – hikers choice.

In November I’ll be back, Estero Bay State Preserve.  Next time you’re not taking my hash browns.

The official site for Estero Bay Preserve is here:

Estero Bay State State Preserve

Stuff a Big Check To The Red Cross in There!

This week I cut down Pennsylvania Avenue in Bonita Springs to get to Dolly’s on Bonita Beach Road.  I call the area, as do many others, the State Streets because they’re all, uh, named after states.  I was driving down Michigan which connects Pennsylvania to Bonita Beach and passes this mailbox up and went back for a photo.  It was a shame I didn’t have my camera.  99.9% of the time I have it and darned if I didn’t this time.  I took a blurry picture with my Treo and headed back bright and early the next morning to get another photo with the purple glory’s open.

Turns out the homeowner was on his porch smokin’ a marlboro and just thought I was plain weird for photographing his mailbox.  His mailbox is in a chair, and he’s judging me?  Alrighty, then.  What I found funny was later that day I took the same shortcut down Michigan.  I wanted to see if the flood water had receded.  I found the mailbox was on a post.  I think I embarassed the man into putting his mailbox on a post!  My civic duty is done.

By the looks of this sunny, flowery picture you’d never know there was a flood in Bonita Springs. Just a half mile away homes were in four feet of water.

At any rate, I’ll have you know that the water is still high and there is a need for help at the Estero Community Center.  There are currently 481, I’ll say it slow so you grasp it:  That is FOUR HUNDRED – EIGHTY ONE people who are in the shelter that could use some help, desperately.  There are a few ways you can help.  If you’re looking for things to do this weekend grab an idea from this list:

1. Make out a check to the Red Cross and note on it “Bonita Springs Flood Victims”. The Red Cross provides medical, as well as mental help to the people who are overwhelmed by their circumstances.
   
2. Purchase and deliver undergarments of any size for all ages to the Community Center or Salvation Army.  If money is tight, buy a 3 pack of kids jockey’s or panties and drop them by.  The kids don’t deserve to suffer – spare five bucks.
   
3. Drop off a box of diapers or baby formula for the infants and toddlers.
   
4. Mens work boots are needed, as well as, mens denim jeans in smaller sizes. Many of the folks who are at the mercy of the flood water are without clothing and even work boots to support their families.
5. Go to the center and volunteer to help the Red Cross serve those in the shelters.  They are providing meals for nearly 500 people, three times per day and can use your helping hands.
   

Thank you, on behalf of the displaced families, for any little thing you can do to help.

]]> http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/chair-mail-underware-the-red-cross/feed/ 2 http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/estero-community-center-dog-park/ http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/estero-community-center-dog-park/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:13:41 +0000 chrisgriffith http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/estero-community-center-dog-park/

Just north of Bonita Springs in Estero, Florida you’ll find the Estero Community Park and Recreation Center. Estero Community Park is the largest facility within the Lee County Parks and Recreation system.  The community center is located in Estero Florida on Corkscrew Road, midway between US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway. 

The Estero Community Park encompasses 55 acres and houses 2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children’s play area, 4 lakes, a 5K cross country course, a tortoise preserve, an outdoor amphitheater along with a 40,000 sq/ft. recreation center and an off leash dog park.

Those of you who looking for a place to take man’s best friend now have a brand new, safe and FREE facility to take the entire family; including Fido, for an afternoon of fun.  The dog area is located near the playground area on the east side of the complex.  There is ample parking, large trees for shade and a multi-gated entry and exit system to keep your four-legged loved one from sneaking through the gate and escaping. 

Dogs are everywhere!  It’s great just to be a spectator. 

If you’re going to visit dog park with your dog, remember:

• Dogs must be vaccinated and have their license.
• Dogs must be on leash outside of the run.
• No aggressive dogs.
• Clean up after your dog.

Thank you!  Please leave a comment if you’ve visited the site or you’re the volunteer models at the park.

• For other local parks also read:  Lee County Parks 
• To find Lee County Parks with boat Ramps also read:  Bonita Springs Boat Ramps 
• Learn more about dog friendly facilities:  Dog Beach Bonita Springs

Looking for something to do in Estero?  Visit Mound Key.  Located in the middle of Estero Bay is Mound Key an archaeological site managed by Koreshan State Historic Site – State Park. 

Calusa Indians dominated southern Florida for centuries and resisted the Spanish explorers. Mound Key Archaeological Site is believed to be the ceremonial center of Calusa society.

The Indian shell mounds at the site rise more than 30 feet high and are estimated to date back nearly 2000 years. The site is only accessible by boat from the southern end of Estero Island, just north of Bonita Springs.  Review the list of boat ramps in the Bonita Springs and Estero areas.  The closest boat ramp and causeway area is at Carl Johnson State Park at Lover’s Key.  Kayaks and canoes are available for rent.

Seasonally the entire Estero Bay and back water area is a no wake zone.  Be sure to check the speed zones and adhere to the seasonal guidelines or risk getting a ticket for a manatee zone violation.

Be sure to take sunscreen and plenty of mosquito repellant.  Open flames are not permitted due to drought conditions, and uh, the ability of the fire department to not drive there and put the fire out.

Mound key is a great day trip for boaters if they’re spending the afternoon at Lover’s Key Beach.  It’s about a 10 minute boat ride away from the drawbridge at Fort Myers Beach by Lover’s Key State park.

Two items to be mindful of while visiting Mound Key. 

• You may smell a skunk smell but it’s only a plant that produces the odor and probably not the live animal.
• Keep an eye out for the spiny orb weaver spider. They’re very unusual, brightly colored and have a shell sort of like a crab.

Related information:  Check out this awesome Blueway map for boaters, kayakers and canoers.

Estero Community Park and Recreation Center is the largest facility within the Lee County Parks and Recreation system.  The Estero Community Center is located in Estero Florida on Corkscrew Road, midway between US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway.  The park encompasses 55 acres and features 2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children’s play area, 4 lakes, a 5K cross country course, a tortoise preserve, an outdoor amphitheater along with a 40,000 sq/ft. recreation center.

Within the Community Center itself you will find a fully equipped gymnasium that houses three full basketball courts or four volleyball courts. You will also find a fitness center with locker room facilities, a computer lab, a game room, a teen center, an art studio, and several large multi-purpose rooms for meetings or classes.  Hold the meeting of your next Estero Florida based club or organization at the Estero Community Center.

The Estero Community Park offers art classes, toddler programs, wellness classes for adults and children, sports leagues, an exciting senior program and a variety of children’s programs. There is something for everyone in the family.

View the programs & sign up for one of the great classes HERE.

YOU MUST BE A FACILITY MEMBER TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASSES. Individual memberships are $5 while family memberships are available for $20. This fee is a one-time fee.

Estero Community Park is located approximately 3 miles north of Bonita Springs  and the Coconut Point Mall.  Residential home communities nearby include Estates at Estero River, Cascades, Grandezza, Wildcat Run, Colonial Oaks, Rookery, Pelican Sound and Copper Oaks.

Just a few miles North of Bonita Springs, Florida is Estero Florida. There isn’t a whole bunch of fanfare as you cross the city line, so you’ll probably miss it.  (It’s right by the Ship on Tamiami Trail) Estero is one of the fasted growing communities in Southwest Florida.  Enjoy a few suggestions for activities in the Estero and Bonita Springs areas.

1.   Catch a Florida Everblades hockey game at Germain Arena Germain Arena also hosts recreational ice skating and various concerts, acts and events.  Check the schedule of events.

2.  Tour the Koreshan State Historic Site.  It is one of the earliest settlements in SW Florida.  There is an onsite boat ramp and also canoe rentals.

3.  Canoe or Kayak the Estero River.  Equipment can be rented at Estero River Outfitters.  The Estero River actually access Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  Fish the back water mangrove estuaries from your canoe!

4.  Visit Miromar Outlets – Over 140 stores and outlets shops at your fingertips.  A whole new addition is set to open shortly.  Several new restaurants have been added, also.

5.  Tour one of the great bundled golf communities of Estero Florida.  Pelican Sound offers use of formal and casual Golf Club and River Club dining, a beautiful and well maintained 27 hole championship private golf course, 6 lit Har-Tru tennis courts, a host of activities and clubs, gulf access via the Estero River and close proximity to gulf beaches and the SW Florida International Airport. Chris Griffith, REALTOR® with Keller Williams Elite Realty in Bonita Springs, Florida.