Lee County officials are inviting the public to the Prairie Pines Preserve ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Aug. 10.
Prairie Pines Preserve is located at 18400 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers, across the street and near Del Tura Country Club. The entrance and parking area will be off of Route 41.
The preserve covers over 2,709 acres and cost the county a little over $11,790,000. It was acquired on April 27, 2001, as part of the 20/20 Conservation project.
Booch DeMarchi, special events coordinator for Lee County, is encouraging the public to come out and see the new preserve. There will be a complementary barbecue after the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m.
The lunch is courtesy of Dale Vest Quality Cut Lawn Care, Compass Construction and Conservation 20/20.
Kathy Olson, Conservation 20/20 senior supervisor, said she is very excited about the project.
“This is our second preserve that will be open to the public with amenities,” she said. “Those include horseback riding trails that are seasonal, a accessible trail system with a bird blind, picnic facilities and restrooms.”
She said local riding enthusiasts will be happy with the new preserve.
“It will give, particularly horseback riders in the area, approximately 20 miles to ride on,” she said.
County officials will be on hand for the program, along with members of the Caloosa Saddle Club and Lee County Bird Control.
“People are welcome to ask questions after the event,” said Olson.
All of Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 preserves are open to the public with recreation opportunities for hiking, bird watching, nature photography and nature study. Several preserves offer advanced recreational opportunities, including fishing, kayaking/canoeing and horseback riding.
To learn more, go to: conservation2020.org and then click on preserves.