FIELD TRIP – River Oaks Preserve

Join the Florida Wildflower Foundation and hosts Florida Native Plant Society, Coccoloba Chapter on Saturday, April 19 at 9:30am for a guided hike at River Oaks Preserve.

The Village of Estero owns this 12-acre preserve, most of which was purchased in June 2022 for $1.2 million. The Village immediately contracted the FNPS Coccoloba Chapter to manage the land. The newly acquired 10 acres joined an existing right of way extension of Broadway Ave E. Surrounded by gated communities, the only access is from Broadway Ave E.

In just 2.5 years, the Coccoloba Chapter removed invasive species, planted hundreds of native plants in demonstration gardens and for habitat, and opened a public native plant nursery.

This field trip will explore all 12 acres, with a focus on the six to seven acres east of the north branch of the Estero River. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the native plant nursery, which offers a variety of purchased, propagated and rescued plants for sale (cash, check, and credit accepted).

The demonstration gardens, now maturing, showcase flowering plants that, while not necessarily naturally occurring on the property, help homeowners envision native landscapes while attracting a wide variety of wildlife. Other plantings support the preserve’s many gopher tortoises. As invasives were cleared, wildlife flourished — bobcats, coyotes, hawks and increasing butterfly species. Participants will likely see a variety of wildlife and seasonal wildflowers throughout the trip!

A small wooden bridge over the Estero River is the only access to the eastern section, which was choked by invasive trees and dense saw palmetto and nearly impenetrable — better suited for bears than people. With no fire to clear the undergrowth due to nearby homes, the fuel load became a growing concern. In December, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sent in a forestry mulcher to break down the accumulated debris, reducing wildfire risk and opening it up for restoration.

On this field trip, we’ll explore the results of this work firsthand, seeing how native plants and wildlife are responding. We’ll also discuss the critical role of fire in Florida’s ecosystems and how its effects can be mimicked in places where prescribed burning isn’t possible.

We’ll walk about 1 to 1.5 miles. There will be a heavy layer of mulch east of the river, so a lot of it will be a little rougher than normal. The small wooden bridge that can be slick when damp, so please wear appropriate shoes.

Registration is free for Florida Wildflower Foundation members and $10 for nonmembers.