Matanzas Pass Preserve is an out-of-the-way sanctuary just a mile south of Matanzas Pass Bridge on Estero Island. Home of a rare maritime tropical hammock, it’s not as remote as it sounds being part of Fort Myers Beach. Open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, the park includes a historic building known simply as “The Cottage” which houses a local museum and gift shop.
Estero Island Cottage Museum
Now owned and managed by Lee County, the Cottage Museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Better known locally as the Davison Cottage, the building was constructed by the Harry K. Davison family and is now the home of the Estero Island Historic Society. The cottage was built in 1921 and was actually on the beachfront at that time. It now sits behind the library on land overlooking Matanzas Pass.
The Historic Society restored the cottage (it was covered in asbestos shingles) and now use it to host student groups. It was moved to its present position in 1995 and now sits alongside a second historic cottage and a rain barrel. The museum has displays, archives, and a collection of old photos showing the island’s original cottages and bridges. The gift shop sells a unique souvenir–sea grape jelly from the island’s fruits.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Matanzas Pass Preserve History and Info
Matanzas Pass Preserve is an area of 57 acres on the barrier island of Estero close to Mound House archaeological site. In 1974, local resident and wildlife photographer John Dunning purchased land as part of the Martha Redd estate and donated some 22 acres to the Nature Conservancy. Along with further land, the Conservancy donated the land to the county in 1994. The Friends of Matanzas Pass later formed to protect and preserve this habitat which has four wetland ecosystems as well as the last remaining maritime oak hammock.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
If you want to explore by yourself, the preserve has 1.25 miles of trails and boardwalks that wind through the shady mangroves and oaks. There are interpretive stations along the way telling you more about the plants and wildlife. A well-placed pavilion offers a place to rest with views of Estero Bay.
The preserve has a landing area suitable for kayaks and canoes. It is part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail that is enjoyed by many non-motor craft including stand-up paddleboarders. The preserve is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so bring your binoculars and look out for unusual migratory birds, particularly in winter.
Naturalist Led Matanzas Pass Preserve Guided Walks
The Matanzas Pass Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida an unspoiled refuge. The best way to learn more about it is by joining one of the free guided walks offered by a Florida Master Naturalist in conjunction with Lee County Beaches.
The guided walks take place through the cooler months, ending late March or early April. Details can be found on the Lee County Website. On Wednesdays, the guided talks run from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and cover the historical importance of native plants that can still be found growing in the preserve. Calusa Indians and early settlers used many indigenous plants for food, shelter, or medicine. They include the Heart of Palm from the Sabal Palmetto and Coontie roots which were ground and made into flour.
Thursday’s walks (also from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.) take you on an educational walk through the mangroves. Discover the plants, animals, and birds that can be found in this maritime oak hammock and learn how the mangroves provide an essential ecosystem to marine life and the preservation of the barrier island itself.
Matanzas Pass Preserve is well equipped with toilets, picnic tables, playground, grills, food concessions, and a fishing pier. A saltwater shoreline fishing license is required for shore fishing but there is no charge for Florida residents.
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