Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Natural wetland preserve in Fort Myers, United States.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a protected wetland area with thousands of acres of interconnected habitats accessible by an elevated wooden boardwalk. The trail winds through cypress forests, open water, and marsh vegetation that make up the ecosystem.
The preserve was established in the mid-1970s after a high school environmental group collected signatures to protect the wetland from urban expansion. Their referendum campaign successfully prevented development in this area.
The preserve serves as a living classroom where visitors watch natural processes unfold through guided explorations led by naturalists. Local people come here to witness how water and wildlife interact within a few minutes of their homes.
Morning hours offer the best conditions for spotting wildlife and enjoying the filtered light through the trees on the boardwalk. The elevated walkway is well-maintained and suitable for visitors of various fitness levels.
The wetland corridor naturally filters water that flows toward the coast while creating a sheltered passage for animals surrounded by developed areas. This dual function makes it unusually valuable for the region.
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