The Naples Preserve and Hedges Family Eco-Center

Description

The Naples Preserve is a unique green space located in the heart of Naples. It is bordered on the west by U.S. 41 and on the north by Fleischmann Boulevard. This pristine nine and a half acre scrub oak community was saved from development by the citizens of Naples. The Preserve's purchase was financed by a $9 million bond referendum, passed in February 2000. Hundreds of volunteer hours were spent removing exotic, non-native growth and trash that had accumulated over the years. The Preserve contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife associated with one of the oldest ecological communities in Florida. It was established in the Pleistocene era (about 10,000 years ago) on sand ridges which were deposited originally as coastal dunes. The Hedges Family Eco-Center, on The Naples Preserve, features environmental educational programs of interest to the general public (that are popular with the retired senior community) and educational programs for children.