Nature enthusiasts, paddlers, hikers, bird watchers and sightseers now will have a wonderful new opportunity to explore the Everglades via the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge just east and south of Naples.
Starting today, a new trailhead and boardwalk at the 35,000 acre park will provide visitors access to hiking trails and a canoe and kayak launch allowing them to explore all the splendor the Ten Thousand Islands area has to offer. Young and old alike will have the opportunity to see sunning alligators, great blue herons, manatees, and all the beauty that Mother Nature provides at this easy to access nature preserve. Fishermen and hunters (with permits) will also be welcomed in the mangrove filled back country marsh.
Tags: living, parks, SW Florida
One of the great things about living in Southwest Florida is being able to enjoy all its wonderful surroundings. However, problems tend to arise when we humans infringe on the natural flow of things. Thankfully, most folks who live here take their responsibility to protect our environment seriously so when things start to get out of hand, they are usually corrected quickly and accordingly. To that end, there’s a new rule from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about feeding pelicans. Simply put, “don’t do it.”
While were only six weeks into the turtle nesting time (May 1 to October 31) here in Southwest Florida, the 2008 season is off to a good start. As of last weekend, there were 194 known nests on the beaches in Lee and Collier counties. That’s up from 131 at the same time last year.
Florida residents and visitors should be aware its alligator mating season once again and you cannot be too careful with these fierce but wonderful creatures. Each year as spring turns into summer and the weather begins to truly warm, an alligators metabolism increases and they become quite frisky in seeking out mates.
