We visited the Naples Botanical Gardens and toured the cultivated "Gardens of Latitude" representing
cultures of the tropics and subtropics from around the world between the latitudes of 26 degrees N (where
Naples is situated) and 26 degrees S. The Gardens also have a 90 acre nature sanctuary with trails and
birding tower. We were only able to take a short tour, but you should plan on spending several hours there
when you go. It is quite a varied photo opportunity. The Gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They also have a large building for banquet facilities and meetings. For more information go to
www.naplesgarden.org.
Turner River Canoe Trail and Everglades City - Photos 4-5
We only were able to spend a week in the area, and it was not enough time to see everything. We brought our
canoe, and spent the first day canoeing the Turner River Canoe Trail. There is a designated canoe access
facility 5 miles past RT 29 (to Everglades City) on the north side of RT 41. There are local outfitters
that can guide you through the mangrove tunnels and along pristine river, which eventually empties into the
Ten Thousand islands by Chokoloskee in about 8 miles. Even though you are going with the current, it is
easy to paddle back upstream to the put in site. We also explored the area at Everglades City going south
on RT 29, where the National Park runs big pontoon boats out into the bay and mangroves in the 10,000
Island area. Alternatively, at the end of RT 29 a couple of miles south, there is The Everglades Area
Tours/Motorboat Assisted Kayak Tours out of Chokoloskee. We heard from others that this was a great way
to see the Everglades, by boat/kayak, then barefooting on a deserted barrier island, all on one tour!
One can also put your canoe/kayak in at Collier Seminole State Park, which is just west of 29 on RT 41
heading back to Naples. We just didn't have time to do it all.
Faxahatchee Strand Swamp Walk - Photos 6-13
The next day, we met with JoNell Modys (jonellmodys@colliergov.net), the PR and Communications Manager of the
Naples, Marco Island and Everglades CVB. We drove east on 41 turning left
on Rt. 29 to the 80,000 acre Faxahatchee Strand State
Preserve, part of the Big Cypress swamp. It is the largest strand swamp in the world - 19 miles long, 3 to5
miles wide and 3 to 4' deep... (they call it the Grand Canyon of the Everglades). There we met the well
known photographer and guide, Rick Cruz, for a walk in the swamp in search of the elusive Ghost Orchid. A
knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, he talked about the ecology and habitats of this unique area. It is
home to the Florida panther, black bear, 17 species of endangered and threatened birds, 47 native wild
orchids, 14 species of bromeliads, and beautiful Royal Palms. These swamp walks are a photographers dream,
so much to photograph! Rick conducts an eco-photo safari. Though he will discuss composition and technique,
this is not a technical photo workshop though, so know your camera well. Usually these walks involve being
in water up to your waist, but because of the drought, the deepest water was about knee level. I love the
silence (when people weren't talking, and there were few bird calls), the smells and the muted colors in
the swamp. Unfortunately, we saw no snakes or alligators, but did keep a watchful eye out for both. The
walks last around 3 hours, but in reality you are not trekking that far. You are stopping every few feet to
inspect plants that Rick is pointing out. We would have missed most of them without his help, but after a
while, your eye does start to be more observant and you begin to truly see the swamp. Rick also does kayak
tours and walks in other places, so get in touch with him for more information at
www.rickcruzphotography.com or call 305.298.7554.
Trawl on Rookery Bay - Photos 14-20
On the way to Marco Island, before the bridge, is the Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve. It is one of
the few remaining pristine mangrove estuaries in the world. There we took a research boat trip that
included a trawling demonstration, bringing up ctenophores (comb jelly), small fish, and nine armed star
fish! I have been diving over 30 years and had never seen one before. They discussed the ecology of the
mangrove and waterways, and the trip usually includes a beach walk on Keewaydin Island , an 8 mile barrier
island (the largest un-bridged barrier island on Florida's west coast) that is under the Rookery Bay
management. We ran out of time to go on the island, since we were enjoying the trawling experience and
photo ops. The tours are run by Collier County/UF Extension Sea Grant Agent Bryan Fluech and Rookery Bay
Research Translator Renee Wilson. They do many educational tours for schoolchildren and for structured programs
like the Florida Master Naturalist and teacher workshops. The Reserve also does restoration projects to restore fresh water flows from old failed development projects to
improve shark nurseries in the Ten thousand Islands and they are studying the different shark species in the
area. Go to www.rookerybay.org for tour information.
Canoeing on Rookery Bay - Photos 21-24
If you take Shell Island Road on the Reserve to the end, you can put in your canoe and follow the Collier
County Blueway Paddling Trail , marked by numbers on channel markers around the mangrove islands. You can
get an extensive canoeing/kayak map of the Paradise Coast Phase One: Ten Thousand Islands from the
Naples, Marco Island Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Sea Excursions Dolphin Project - Photos 25-35
On our last day, we boarded another research boat with the Sea Excursions Dolphin Project on Marco Island
on the Dolphin Explorer. We had Captain Chris and research biologist and photographer James aboard and we were to assist in
photographing and collecting data on the resident dolphins. There is a resident population of about 75
dolphins that live only in the estuary, and do not mix with the dolphins in the Gulf. The dolphins are
identified by their distinctive dorsal fins and each dolphin has been given a name. Chris and James knew
each one immediately and all photos taken were catalogued in the on-board computer. They monitor births and
deaths, and locations of these mammals. We watched young dolphins leaping up and playing with the mangrove
seeds and sticks. We also saw manatee, frigate birds, and numerous blue herons (little and great),
pelicans, great egrets and even shore birds on our walk on Keewaydin Island, where we went shelling and
observed turtle nests. At the end of the tour, we each received a photo from the trip. A memorable
experience. Go to www.dolphin-explorer.com to get tickets and information.
Naples Pier - Photos 36-39
We did manage to find a few moments to drive around Marco Island. There is limited public access to the
beaches there. We also went to the Naples Pier, the longest free fishing pier in the state. We had easier
access to the beaches there, with public metered parking at every block. With Hurricane Irene's passing,
the waves were giving the surfers a run for their money. We were used to seeing the Gulf calm, so this was
quite a change.
Accommodations
The Naples area has many fine hotels and motels, but the FOWA conference allowed us to experience
something different, a 2 bedroom condominium at the Greenlinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort for the price of
an inexpensive hotel! When you share with another couple, it is hard to beat. The condos are fully
appointed apartments that the owners allow to be rented out. They all have views of the lakes and golf
course, where we saw even more wildlife and birds. It made easy access to Naples, Marco Island and the
Everglades. Check them out at www.greenlinksnaples.com or call 888.992.2099.
There were two activities that we missed, but heard from others how much fun and interesting they were. One
is the Picayune Strand/Everglades CERP Bicycle Tour with Everglades Edge Backcountry Eco Tours, and the
other was the Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the crown jewel of the Audubon's sanctuary system. I
can't believe that we had no time to go there after being in the area for a week! As a photographer, that
was really high on my list, so it just means a return trip to the Paradise Coast.
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