Big Cypress Expansion Underway!

Something new is happening in the western Everglades and it is big! Driving from Marco Island or Naples and just past Port of the Islands, a main attraction for locals and visitors has been the Big Cypress Boardwalk, just over a half mile long and a favorite stop to see wildlife and some very unique vegetation. It is not unusual to see alligators, bald eagles, herons, egrets, owls and more along a safe, boardwalk path maintained by The Friends of Fakahatchee.

The boardwalk is part of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Encompassing approximately 85,000 acres, this is Florida’s largest state preserve and also the wildest. Don’t be surprised if you come across an elusive panther in this corridor and be ever watchful for the variety of orchids that bloom here each year. It’s no wonder the area is called “The Amazon of the North”.

The Preserve hosts about 97,000 visitors annually, primarily at the boardwalk setting but about 10-percent will visit the area along Jayne’s Scenic Drive. Parking has been a constant issue near the boardwalk and safely crossing U.S. 41 to get to the boardwalk has been a major concern. Changes are currently underway to cure this problem and add a few new features to enhance the educational and cultural values here.

Thanks to State Senator Kathleen Passidomo’s introduction of a bill, $1.3 million dollars has been allocated for an expansion that will include about 60 parking spaces, permanent bridge, restrooms, a kiosk, and an interpretive pavilion. The funding was given to the Department of Environmental Protection, and they will spearhead the project. 

Construction is already underway and Francine Stevens, Executive Director of the Friends of Fakahatchee, stated that a completion date of the second quarter of 2022 is anticipated. She also stated that the reason for the expansion is to create safe parking for boardwalk visitors.

When the project is complete, visitors can park their cars, walk across the bridge, take a short walk to the interpretive pavilion, and then continue on to the existing boardwalk. The work will open a magnificent view to the little-known Green Heron Lake, just west of the boardwalk as well. The goal here is to enhance awareness of the Strand and boardwalk and create a balance among public participation, education, and wilderness protection. In doing this, visitors can enjoy wild Florida, knowing that the native flora and fauna can still call the area home. “The more we educate the public about preservation, the more wildlife we can expect in the Fakahatchee” Stevens said. She also stated that this is only large project that will take place in the Fakahatchee Strand, ever.

What can you expect along this well-maintained boardwalk? Keep a vigilant watch for alligators anywhere in the waters along your journey. There is an active Bald Eagle nest so look for the adults preparing for mating season in just a few months. Great Horned Owls have nested here in recent years, as well as Red Shouldered Hawks. In the spring, Florida water snakes will mate but look for these nonvenomous reptiles all year round. Catbirds are here and a variety of woodpeckers. Barred Owls are also visible throughout the year. Migrations bring Swallow-tailed Kites, Flycatchers and Warblers to the Strand as well.

A variety of ferns can be found on the floor level while Bald Cypress Trees and Pond Cypress are a regular sight along the way. Strangler Fig Trees appear as aliens, wrapping around the cypress, while Sabal palms and Royal Palms exist side by side with the old growth cypress. This is also home to many species of orchids and was the setting for the novel “The Orchid Thief”, based on true events that took place in the Strand.

Whether you are an animal lover, bird watcher or a plant enthusiast, the Big Cypress boardwalk is a “must do” when visiting south Florida. With the addition of better parking, an interpretive center and access to Green Heron Lake, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park will be better than it already is! 

Many thanks to the Friends of Fakahatchee for their volunteer work to maintain the boardwalk, keeping it as safe and enjoyable as it possibly can be. They are true heroes for their cause, to have the public experience wildlife in a safe environment.

BIO: Bob is the lead Naturalist on board the dolphin survey vessel Dolphin Explorer, which monitors the activity and abundance of the local bottlenose dolphin population. He is also an owner of Wild Florida Ecotours at Port of the Islands, offering fishing charters and eco-tours in the western Everglades. He is an author of two books and an award-winning columnist for Coastal Breeze News. Bob loves his wife very much!