Estero Bay Preserve State Park, FL

For many years now I have not been one to stay up to midnight only to watch the bells strike twelve, cheer the new year, and then go to bed. This year was no different. What really gets me excited is the ranger led hikes through out Florida on the first day of the year. Seeing an organized hike at Estero Bay Preserve SP I was quickly on board. Susan didn't want to go and the dogs have already had their long morning walk so away I go. There's no camping allowed in this park just lots of nature trails with lots to see. 

Estero Bay Preserve State Park consists of approximately 10,000 acres and was acquired in 1966. The preserve was purchased in order to protect environmentally sensitive land from the impact associated with development. The preserve continues to grow as land becomes available.

The preserve has two locations to access trails. The Estero River Scrub entrance in Estero and the Winkler Point entrance in Fort Myers.  This hike happens to be only 10 km (6 miles) from where we are staying. Bonus! 

The parking lot is extremely small so I was glad I got there early. Parking Precious (my truck for those who don't know), is always fun. The trail head is fully equipped with a picnic area and bathrooms.

The Estero Scrub River location which is where we are has four separate trails. Each one offers something different. We are hiking the 2.5 mile Fiddler Crab Loop or Yellow Trail which winds through salt marshes. 

Right away we could see a recent controlled or prescribed burn on one side of the path. This one did not jump the trail. These burns are so important to Florida's ecology, they help with new growth. 

Bachelor Buttons

Pipe Wort

Florida spends countless amounts of money to control invasive species of plants and animals. One extremely invasive tree native to Australia and Malaysia introduced into Florida in 1906 is the Melaleuca Tree. This tree is so invasive that it causes almost total displacement of native species. It is illegal in the state to plant this tree. 

Melaleuca Tree

Walking through the mangroves we finally see evidence of the elusive fiddler crab. These crabs are easily recognized by their asymmetric claw. Male fiddler crabs have the larger claw which is used during ritualistic courtship.

Another invasive tree to Florida is the Australian Pine. First introduced in the 1890s from Australia, this aggressive fast growing non-conifer is resistant to salt-spray making it the perfect tree for windbreaks along canals, roads, and fields. Today, possession of this tree with the intent to sell or plant is illegal in the state.

We have finally arrived at the salt marshes. During the summer months this trail is usually under water.  Not so much water now. However, due to the high water levels left from Hurricane Irma, water is still present in this area. Good thing for hiking boots.

There are four different types of mangroves in Florida, white, red, black, and buttonwood. These happen to be white mangroves. 

This was like being a kid again, wading through the muck. I was having a blast.

Evidence of feral pigs in the area

Mangroves that have died for one reason or another, just makes for a pretty picture.

Another invasive species in Florida is the Brazilian Pepper Scrub. Pretty but very aggressive.

At this point the water is over our ankles and I'm lovin' it. Another great hike.