Sense of Place 2 Field Trip / IDS 3920

Estero Bay

  In 1966, Estero Bay was designated as Florida's first State Aquatic Preserve. Before it was claimed as a preserve, human encroachment and subsequent development changed the surrounding land and the bay's sustaining natural systems. Impacts began to accumulate rapidly and concerned citizens spoke up. At one point, preservation efforts led to Supreme Court intervention. Because of these early efforts, the bay is still home to myriad of marine life including bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Still intact are critical habitat areas such as bird rookeries, seagrass beds, and the ever-important mangroves - the cradle of the sea. Since systems are connected, how much more human impact within and outside the preserve can the bay withstand? We will be visiting the San Carlos Island Shrimp Docks, Estero Island Historic Cottage and Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve, to explore issues of sustainability in our coastal backyard. With present uses, is Estero Bay sustainable?

• Day and Time:  May 18th 8:15 a.m.
• Destination:  Estero Island Historic Cottage, Fort Myers Beach 
• Directions to Estero Island Historic Cottage: From I-75, take Daniels Parkway exit (one exit north of FGCU exit) west to Six Mile Cypress Parkway, then turn left.  Follow Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., crossing U.S. 41, and continue to Summerlin Road. Turn left on Summerlin Rd.and follow to San Carlos Boulevard. Turn left on San Carlos Boulevard. Follow San Carlos Boulevard over Matanzas Pass Sky Bridge onto Fort Myers Beach. Follow Estero Boulevard south for approximately 1 to 1.5 miles to Bay Road. Fort Myers Beach Library (a two-story glass enclosed building) will be on the left hand corner. Follow road to dead end. Estero Island Historic Cottage parking lot is small so please park along road or in front of Beach Elementary School.
   
• What to wear: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes for walking (we will be on a board walk
• What to bring: Journal, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent (a good idea).

 

 

© FGCU 2005. This is an official FGCU web page. Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.

Contact the Webmaster

Florida Gulf Coast University 10501 FGCU Blvd. N Fort Myers, Florida 33965 Florida Gulf Coast University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

 

Acknowledgments