TheGulfCoastVilla

Oscar Scherer State Park has been open since 1956 with almost 1,400 acres to explore.

There's quite a lot see - from bald eagles to river otters playing in the water.

The area includes two special plant upland communities of pine flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods. These communities provide homes to a variety of animals, including the Florida scrub jay, which is a threatened species. The gopher tortoise, gopher frog and indigo snake are a few of the numerous creatures that feel at home in the scrubby flatwoods.

Lemon Bay

Cedar Point Park and Lemon Bay Park Environmental Center

Good for hiking trails through pine flatwoods, oak scrub, salt flats and mangroves. Those who are interested in Florida history won’t want to miss the Indian Mound Park, which features native flora and fauna, and includes a prehistoric Indian mound site from 1000 B.C.

The Lemon Bay area is bustling with live creatures, such as eagles, pinfish, pelicans, snook, shrimp, dolphins and manatees.

Punta Gorda

Charlotte Harbour Environmental Center

3,000 acres of varied coastal ecosystem on the harbour. The upland portion borders Alligator Creek with an elevated visitor centre overlooking the lagoon and pier area. Hammocks, marshes and swamps host 124 bird species, 22 mammal types, plus scores of amphibians.

Wildlife Corridor Wetlands

A 1-mile boardwalk leads deep into 2,000 acre six mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Its is a 'critter path' from north Lee County to Estero Bay. This wetland preserve ranks highly.

Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Foundation

Overlooks Sanibel river lively inter-tidal zones and lagoons. Four round trip trails are about a mile each. You can spot otters, marsh rabbits, and the occasional bobcat.