The Naples Preserve and Hedges Family Eco-Center are situated on a 9.5-acre site at the corner of U.S. 41 North and Fleischmann Boulevard. In the Preserve, walk the free and accessible 0.4-mile-long boardwalk through two Florida Upland Habitats: Pine Flatwoods and Oak-Rosemary Scrub. Here, you will have one of the best opportunities to view gopher tortoises as well as native flora and fauna. (Service dogs only are allowed on the boardwalk.) The Hedges Family Eco-Center provides information about Collier County's natural areas and local history museums. It also hosts free events, nature talks, and nature programs.
Funding for the acquisition of this site was provided by the City of Naples Citizens (2000) and the Florida Communities Trust's Florida Forever Funds (June 2002).
Directions to Naples Preserve and General Map of Naples Preserve
Additional Features of the Preserve and Eco-Center:
- Drone footage of the Naples Preserve
- A Geocaching Site
- 2026 Gopher Tortoise Day (Saturday, January 31 from 9:00am to 12:00pm)
- Home of the former National Champion Myrtle Oak tree
- Migratory Bird viewing site:
- Spring: End of April to the second week of May.
- Fall: First two weeks of October
- Picnic tables – A great place to eat while watching our native wildlife.
- Promise Globe – Write down your promise on how you will help the Earth and put it in the globe. Located in the Pollinator Garden.
