Naples Preserve

Welcome to The Naples Preserve, a unique green space located in the heart of Naples. It is bordered on the west by U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and on the north by Fleischmann Boulevard. This pristine nine and a half acre scrub oak community was saved from development by the citizens of Naples. The Preserve’s purchase was financed by a $9 million bond referendum, passed in February 2000. Hundreds of volunteer hours were spent removing exotic, non-native growth and trash that had accumulated over the years.

The Preserve contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife associated with one of the oldest ecological communities in Florida. It was established in the Pleistocene era (about 10,000 years ago) on sand ridges which were deposited originally as coastal dunes. Some of the important plant and animal species in this community are saw palmetto (Serinoa repens), blazing star (Liatris tenuifolia), scrub oak (Quercus germinata), rosemary (Cerratiola ericoides) and gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).

The Hedges Family Visitor Center Renamed "Hedges Family Eco-Center"

This unique structure was designed by architect Don Nick and built in the early 1960’s, just after Hurricane Donna had struck Naples. The glass walls provide spectacular views of the building, which is paneled with rich, vibrant redwood and cypress wood. For many years, it served as the home of the Naples Chamber of Commerce. During 2001 and 2002, it was restored with private donations exceeding $92,000.

On December 7, 2005 City Council approved the renaming of the Hedges Family Visitor Center to the Hedges Family Eco Center. Many individuals visiting the site recalled the historical use of the property as a "Visitors" Center which was operated by the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. The reason for the renaming of the Center was to eliminate the confusion.

A New Look for the Hedges Family Eco Center

In May 2006 the interior of the Hedges Family Eco Center Received a whole new look thanks to a cooperative effort funded by the Collier County Tourist Development Tax and citizen donations! The city received a $50,000 grant from the County and Friends of the Preserve donated the required $50,000 in matching funds. The purpose of the project, titled "Naples Eco-Educational Center", was to purchase and install educational exhibits, displays and furnishings.

The Center, which serves as an eco-center for interested residents and visitors, now includes a diorama displaying the Preserve's flora and fauna, several exhibits and an interactive map showing all Collier County organizations that are enviromental or educational in nature.

Partners of the Preserve

Partners fo the Preserve are local not-for-profit enviromental and nature-related organizations such as; parks, preserves, sanctuaries and museums of Collier County. Currently, 21 local organizations have become "Partners of the Preserve". As part of the Eco-Educational Center project, each Partner organization was afforded the opportunity to design their own informational panel to be permanently displayed at the Center.

Educational Programs, Hours, Events, Classes, Talks

The Hedges Family Eco-Center hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Boardwalk is open Dawn to Dusk daily. Changes in hours will be posted at the Eco Center.

• The Discovery Club Come to the Naples Preserve for a great afternoon of nature discovery, arts and crafts, and science projects. Use microscopes, magnifying glasses, binoculars and digital cameras. Very popular program for youngsters 8 - 12 years. Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:00 pm. Next sessions is: 11/6/07 - 12/18/07. $55/R $71/NR. Register at Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd. 213-3020
• Out and About in Collier County Eco Tours to the Partners of the Preserve locations. Informative and fun experiences with others interested in these unique Florida locations. Call the Preserve at 261-4290 or Fleischmann Park, 213-3020 for more information and to reserve your spot. Time of departure and costs vary per trip. Watch for new trips opportunities January - April.

• Nature Talks The talks begin at 11:00 and end with a light lunch around noon. Watch for new topics and speakers coming in January - April.

• Nature Photography Workshops Winter 2008 dates being arranged at press time.

The Current Schedule is available in the Seasonal Program Guide in the "Publications" section on our department page.

The Boardwalk

An elevated boardwalk enables visitors to take a .4 mile self-guided tour through an ecosystem that once comprised most of early Naples. The boardwalk design allows for the interaction of wildlife and flora throughout the entire site.

The lumber used for the construction of the boardwalk is from a Brazilian tree (Tabebuia impetiginosa named "ipe" (pronounced "ee-pay") or "ironwood." It is grown on plantations, specifically for harvesting into lumber. Ipe is durable hardwood so dense that it sinks in water. Observation decks, with benches along the boardwalk, provide visitors with a spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the preserve.

The numbered locations along the boardwalk highlight unique points of interest described in this brochure. Open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk.

Guide to The Naples Preserve

1. Scrub Oak Community
   The scrub oak (Quercus geminata) forms the complex food chain base of this community. Almost every animal depends on the acorns of the oak for survival. The oaks appear stunted due to the fact that they do not have to compete for sunlight, and the soil is nutrient poor. Twelve endemic plant and animal species are found in this community and nowhere else.
2. Pine-Flatwoods Community
   This type of fire dependent community once covered over fifty percent of Florida’s total land area. Although almost undetectable, a slight fall in elevation and firmer soil allows large pines to do very well. Pinus elliptic var. dense, slash pine with its understory of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is home to many birds and other animals (deer, bobcat, black bear).
3. Fire-dependency
   Fire is important in the maintenance of pine flatwoods and scrub with a greatly reduced frequency for the scrub community. A burning cycle of one fire each two to seven years is nearly ideal for pine flatwoods, while a twenty to seventy year burn cycle maintains scrublands. This site provides a view of an ecotone, the transition zone from one community to the next. In front of you is the pine flatwoods and to your left, the scrub community.
4. Epiphytes
   The scrub oak, because of its thick cork-like bark, is home to many species of air plants. Air plants are epiphytic bromeliads related to the pineapple. Air plants, along with orchids, use the oak for support and derive their nutrients from organic debris and rainwater.
5. Gopher Tortoise Burrow
   The gopher tortoise is famous for digging underground burrows ten to thirty-five feet long with “bedrooms” at the end. These burrows are found in sandy, well-drained areas such as scrub communities. They utilize the gopher apple and other plants of this community for food. Their favorite food is the flower of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia compressa).
6. Disturbed Area (area in succession)
   This southernmost view of the Naples Preserve is an area in recovery. Years of abuse and mowing have left an almost open field (meadow) within the scrub community. Here we are able to see a succession of scrub community and pine flatwood plants begin the long process of recovery back to their original community compositions. At present, wildflowers and grasses dominate this site.
7. Lightning Strike Area
   In the rainy season, lightning strikes often cause fires. These fires are an important part of the natural cycle of South Florida. Fires keep the understory clear and allow for seed germination.

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