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.

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.

Torrelli South is part of the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area which also includes Horse Creek, Huckleberry Island, Snell Creek, Baker Dairy and Lake Marion.

Hilly scrub, pine flatwoods and riverine swamp forest provide habitat for a variety of Florida’s native plant and animal species at the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area.

At the Torrelli South Trailhead, you can take a quiet hike along the sugar-sand hills where you may see a rare scrub jay. At lower elevations you will find shady, fern-carpeted tree hammocks.

Featuring an expanse of predominately wet flatwoods that has mostly been converted to improved pasture, the Allapattah Flats recreational area offers excellent hiking and bicycling opportunities. Visitors may hike and bike along a 1.5-mile long, user-friendly shellrock road leading to a panoramic open vista of marsh frequented by wading birds. You can also enjoy the land by following the equestrian trails on horseback.