Guided Walk

Thursday, January 6

9 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us as we explore natural plant communities on this guided walk. See firsthand the plants and animals that make southwest Florida so unique. Participants should be able to walk approximately two miles. Dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This trail is only stroller or handicap accessible for about 300 yards. This program is free with paid parking and registration is not required. Limit 25 participants. For more information please call Kelly at (239) 822-5212.

Caloosahatchee to Hickey’s Creek Kayak Trip

Tuesday, January 25

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This six-hour kayak trip begins and ends at Caloosahatchee Regional Park campground. Paddlers should be experienced and/or be in good physical condition for a five-mile roundtrip paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway which includes Hickey’s Creek, one of the area’s most scenic waterways. We’ll eat lunch and hike at Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park before paddling back. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. $40 per person. For more information call Kelly at (239) 822 – 5212. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 – 7440.

Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park, located at 17980 Palm Beach Blvd., is the largest Regional Park in Lee County encompassing 862 acres. This wildlife preserve, co-managed with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, consists of a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey’s Creek can be enjoyed from trails and overlook areas. The ecosystem presently supports the threatened Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoises. Park amenities include parking, restrooms, a canoe/kayak landing, a fishing pier, two picnic areas with eight picnic tables, two bridges across Hickey’s Creek, two trail shelters and five miles of hiking trails. There is a handicap accessible trail to Hickey’s Creek and to the amphitheater. The park is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The parking is free for those with a valid Lee County parking pass. Those who do not have a pass are required to pay $1 per hour or $5 per day. You must bring exact change.