Bonita Springs Real Estate | Bonita Springs Fl Lifestyle Report

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers

Looking for something to do with the family, visitors or kids? Visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough, (pronounced slew) a 2,200 acre wetland preserve in Fort Myers, Florida just south of the Heritage Palms community. This tour was taken in mid August during a somewhat unseasonably dry summer. The foliage and wetlands were active with wildlife and the landscape featured lush swamp plants.

The Slough measures 9 miles long and 1/3 mile wide. It’s located right in the middle of Ft. Myers. It is easier to get to but you do hear more “human” noise than at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Naples Florida.

I’ve driven by the Slough dozens of times and never went in. Living in Bonita Springs for two decades, I always figured I’d be a chaperon on a field trip, eventually - not. The Slough is home to a diverse population of plants and animals, including a few considered to be endangered species. The Slough also serves as a corridor for wildlife by providing a safe route of travel. The Slough serves as a rest area for migrating birds seeking abundant food sources. The birds replenish their fat reserves that will later be used to fly south over the Gulf of Mexico. Because the land is protect the birds are free of harm. Other wildlife that can be seen in the Slough include:

• Raccoons
• Deer
• Bobcat
• Squirrels
• Snakes
• Bear
• Lizards
• Owls
• Butterflies
• Turtles
• Alligators
• Fish
• Water Beatles

Hours of Operation
8 a.m. - Sunset (No admittance is permitted one hour before sunset as there isn’t enough time to complete the tour before it’s dark)
Open 7 days a week

Facility Features

• Fully accessible, 1.2 mile long boardwalk trail; stroller and wheelchair friendly.
• Seating enclaves, shelters, observation decks and a photo blind
• Pond areas have tented tops for shade
• Amphitheater and pier
• Guided walks (see times below)
• Educational displays and “Explorer’s Companion” self-guided trail brochures
• Picnic areas, restrooms and water fountain

Parking Fee - Basically visiting this preserve area is a freebee!

You do not have to pay for admittance to the park. However, your vehicle parking fee of $1 an hour or a maximum of $5.00 per stay is used for maintenance and programming for the preserve. A donation box is on site.

Guided Walk Schedule

January-March: Daily - 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
May-October: Wednesdays only - 9:30 a.m.
April, November and December: Daily - 9:30 a.m.

The Slough is only 20 minutes north of Bonita Springs and Estero Florida. It is an excellent afternoon or morning trip. Great for all ages and all physical abilities.

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