Naples has more than beautiful beaches, glamorous vacation villas, and private multi-million dollar homes. Believe it or not some of the best boardwalks are located in and around this glamorous beach community. When you've had all the fun in the sand and shopped until you've dropped, buy a bottle of mosquito repellent then plan to spend a day or two leisurely meandering on these colorful and enlightening walkways.
The National Audubon Society's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located within minutes from the heart of town. For a nominal admission fee visitors can stroll the 2.25 mile boardwalk that winds through a marsh, cypress forest plus both pine and prairie lands. A variety of seasonal birds, reptiles and plants are visible even to the novice naturalist.
Be sure to refer to the self guided brochure so that you can correctly identify such birds as the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Little Blue Heron and Purple Gallinule. You will likely spot the Roseate Spoonbill first thinking it the infamous Pink Flamingo. The Florida Scrub Jay, a U. S. threatened species, native only to the State is also known to reside in and around the Sanctuary. These birds remain with their families for years, claiming a territorial acreage similar to the popular Meerkats who have their own TV show.
If you or your family prefers reptiles, the Green Treefrog, the Six-lined Racerunner Lizard and the Red Rat Snake reside at Corkscrew. And of course all guests are in awe by the American Alligator. In spite of its 10-15 foot size the gator is known to blend in its surroundings because of its black and yellow colors so be on the lookout.
The Naples Preserve Boardwalk, maintained by the City, is located in an ecosystem which dates back 10,000 years. Water, fire and winds are prevalent conditions for the continuation of this sandy environment. You will walk past seven distinct communities; each a stage or phase of re-growth that must occur to support the habitat. Wild orchids and air plants can be seen growing on oak trees. If lucky enough to spot in the woods a bobcat or black bear do not try to coerce them closer to the boardwalk; it is a preserve not a zoo.
The last section of this boardwalk's .4 mile jaunt is the Lightning Strike Area. This is an important weather condition that triggers fires - nature's way of keeping underbrush in control. It is not recommended to remain at this site should incremental weather conditions occur! Most meteorologists consider Florida as the lightning capital of the U.S. and the state with the highest death rate caused by lightning strikes.
The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department has yet another boardwalk located in the City. After years of restoration efforts, the County's wetlands in the North Collier Regional Park now allows both bicyclers and walkers to discover native plants and wildlife on the boards and preserve trails. Beware this locale offers a wide variety of other outdoor activities including an elaborate water park and playground. If you are visiting with children you will need more than mosquito repellent to ensure your designated day of quiet family outdoor nature activities does not slip and slide into a chlorinated pool of giggling adults and kids!
Each boardwalk is guaranteed to expose you to one or more of Florida's fragile ecosystems and some plant, bird or reptile you have yet to see in your lifetime. But if children or teenagers are traveling with you be sure not to tell them in advance that they will learn something new. This could ruin the trip for all of you!
This guide to the (educational) boardwalks of Naples, Florida was brought to you by Yvonne Moore