A unique wetland, the Six Mile Cypress Slough is nine miles long and one-third of a mile wide. This ribbon-shaped ecosystem is home to a diverse population of plants and animals, including endangered species. The slough is a wildlife corridor, providing a safe travel route for animals.

A 57-square-mile watershed drains into the slough. During the wet season, June through October, a depth of two to three feet of water makes the slough comparable to a wide, shallow stream. It empties southwest into the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.

The signature facilities of the property are a popular 1.2-mile boardwalk and amphitheatre which are heavily used for environmental education and interpretive programs for thousands of students and visitors each year. There also are seating enclaves, shelters, observation decks and a photo blind, along with picnic areas and educational displays. Enjoy a guided walk or strike out on your own with an "Explorer's Companion" self-guided trail brochure. Several different educational programs, ranging in length from 15 - 90 minutes, at a cost of $1 to $3 per student, offer a closer look at the slough.

For More Information:
Visit the website at www.leeparks.org/sixmile or call (239) 432-2040 for programs and group tours.

Directions

• From U.S. 41: Take Colonial Blvd. east to Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Turn right on Six Mile Cypress and travel approximately 1.5 miles to the preserve entrance on the left. The slough is located at 7751 Penzance Crossing, Fort Myers.