Take in the beauty of picturesque flowering marsh plants. Pink marsh mallow “hibiscus,” purple pickerel weed, yellow primrose, creamy water hemlock and button-bush flowers are on display. The property also features a boat ramp, surrounded by grandfather oaks, a cypress dome and cabbage palms.
At Cornwell Marsh, split by the Kissimmee River, you will find canoe and kayak access at the 4E’s non-motorized boat ramp and airboat launch off US 98.
The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), located in Lee and Collier counties, provides natural flood protection, water purification and aquifer recharge. The watershed also serves as an important habitat for species such as the endangered Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork. CREW is known for its spring wildflowers, although you may find flowers blooming at any time. CREW includes the CREW Marsh and Cypress Dome Trails, Flint Pen Strand and Bird Rookery Swamp.
Chandler Slough is a beautiful tract of cypress swamp, oak and cabbage palm hammocks and marsh habitats. This is a great spot to watch wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl, and hikers can also access the Florida National Scenic Trail which runs through the property.
To the south, overhanging oak limbs frame a view of the Old Kissimmee River as it winds its way between Telex and Yates marshes. You can also visit Seaboard Marsh to the north by boat. Watch for bluegill beds in the spring and summer in the shallows of the riverside.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Hatchineha, this area offers many recreational opportunities and beautiful vistas.
Catfish Creek is a popular landing for airboats. When the water level is high, you can enjoy a canoe or kayak ride along the cypress strand. Paddle between marshy vegetation on the lakeside and cypress on the land side, or explore the property by foot along grassy trails. Watch for wildlife, including wading birds, deer, turkey, alligators, bald eagles and turtles.
Located along the eastern edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain, Oak Creek has many old-growth oaks, some spanning nearly five feet in diameter. Enjoy the shade while you look toward the water’s edge.
On a spring day, you will delight in watching butterflies fly from wildflower to wildflower.
Located along the eastern edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain, Oak Creek has many old-growth oaks, some spanning nearly five feet in diameter. Enjoy the shade while you look toward the water’s edge.
On a spring day, you will delight in watching butterflies fly from wildflower to wildflower.
Blanket Bay Slough offers primitive waterfront camping on the east side of the Kissimmee River. There are no trails on Blanket Bay Slough, as it is mainly marsh, however during the dry season from November through March, you can hike along the river and take in a refreshing view of the water.
KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which is pronounced kiss-oh, is a place where you can get the real feel of “Old Florida.” In this region you will enjoy a rich patchwork of habitat extremes from scrub to marsh.
