Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Undergrowth in the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Location in Florida
Location	Collier County, Florida, USA
Nearest city	Naples, Florida
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a special natural area in Florida. It's located west of Copeland, Florida, and is part of the larger Everglades ecosystem. This park protects a unique type of forest called a "strand swamp."

A strand swamp is like a slow-moving river of trees. It's a long, narrow area of forested wetland. Water slowly flows through these forests, creating a perfect home for many plants and animals. The Fakahatchee Strand is sometimes called the "Amazon of North America" because it has so many different kinds of living things.

Discover the Plants of Fakahatchee

This park is famous for its amazing plant life. You can find many types of trees, flowers, and other plants here.

Tall Trees and Greenery

Two of the most common trees are the royal palm and the bald cypress. Royal palms are very tall and straight, looking like columns reaching for the sky. Bald cypress trees are known for their "knees" that stick out of the water.

Beautiful Orchids and Bromeliads

Fakahatchee is home to the largest collection of native orchids in North America. These beautiful flowers grow on trees and can be hard to spot. You can also see many bromeliads, which are plants that look like pineapples and often grow on tree branches. Different kinds of ferns also grow all over the park, adding to the green scenery.

Meet the Animals of Fakahatchee

The park is a safe haven for many different animals, including some that are rare or endangered. It's a great place to see Florida's amazing wildlife.

Rare and Protected Animals

You might be lucky enough to spot a Florida panther. These big cats are very shy and are an endangered species. Other rare animals include the wood stork, a large wading bird, and the black bear. The fox squirrel and the Everglades mink also live here.

Common Wildlife Sightings

Many other animals call Fakahatchee home. You can often see white-tailed deer and raccoons. Look up to spot birds like red-shouldered hawks, wild turkeys, owls, and vultures. In the water, you might see alligators and different kinds of ducks. Larger birds like sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and osprey are also common sights.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park offers several ways to explore its unique environment.

Exploring Janes Scenic Drive

You can drive or bike along Janes Scenic Drive. This is an 11-mile-long unpaved, gravel road that takes you deep into the preserve. It's a great way to see the different parts of the park and spot wildlife from your vehicle.

Walking the Boardwalk

There is also a 2,000-foot-long boardwalk that lets you walk above the swamp. This is a fantastic way to get a close-up look at the plants and animals without getting your feet wet. It's an easy walk for everyone.

Guided Tours

If you want to learn even more, the park offers guided tours. Experts can lead you through the preserve and teach you about the plants, animals, and history of this special place.

Park Hours

Florida state parks, including Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, are open every day of the year. You can visit between 8 a.m. and sundown, even on holidays.