Everglades City
by Reverend Dr Bob N. Wallace
Everglades Community Church
Have you ever noticed when you’re looking at a map of the Naples area there is an area called Turtle Island? It’s located east of Goodland, Marco Island, and Palm Bay and formerly known as ‘Grocery Place,’ the remote pioneer settlement located between Royal Palm Hammock and Goodland, Florida. Today, Grocery Place is a stop on a 13-mile canoe route within the Collier Seminole State Park. Nearby Mud Bay, home to the endangered sawfish, is off-limits to motorized boats.
Turtle Island is home to a diverse collection of wildlife. It really is an island located among the many inland waterways of that area. Turtle Island is a place of Florida’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The island is named for its sea turtle population such as the loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles which are known to nest on the beaches.
Sea turtles have existed for 110 million years, yet the species living today face an uncertain future. Population advancement, pollution, accidental capture by commercial fisheries along with strikes by watercraft are only some of the hazards that sea turtles face as they struggle to survive.
Turtle Island is also a wonderful place for birdwatching. Brown pelicans, ospreys, and various shorebirds are frequently spotted. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and various fish species. Gopher tortoises, snakes, and other reptiles inhabit Turtle Island, while less common mammals such as raccoons and small rodents can also be found on the island.
Sea turtle conservation is a major focus in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Sea Turtle Program is dedicated to protecting and conserving sea turtles and their habitats in the area around Turtle Island. This includes managing nesting sites, conducting research, and enforcing laws to protect these endangered species.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) based in Gainesville, Florida, is one of the oldest and most respected sea turtle conservation organizations. They conduct research, promote conservation policies, and engage in public education to protect sea turtles. They also run the Sea Turtle Grants Program, which funds research, conservation, and education projects.
Various local organizations and volunteers participate in monitoring and protecting sea turtle nests. This includes nighttime patrols on the beaches during nesting season to ensure that nests are not disturbed, and hatchlings make it safely to the sea.
Educational programs and events, such as guided sea turtle walks and talks, help raise awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation. These programs try to engage visitors in protecting these vital creatures and the information they share is crucial for the survival of sea turtles, which face numerous threats, including pollution, and climate change. Supporting these conservation programs helps ensure that sea turtles continue to thrive in Florida’s waters.
There are several guided tours and eco-adventures available near Turtle Island, FL. They offer unique ways to explore the waterways of Southwest Florida; swamp buggies, jet skis, airboats. Some boats are designed with tiki roofs and wrap-around bars to provide a relaxing and scenic experience floating through Hurricane Pass, Capri Pass, Big Marco River, Tarpon Bay, Johnson Bay, and Smokehouse Bay. Guided kayak tours are available around the area offering a closer look at the local marine life and coastal ecosystems. These tours can range from short excursions to longer adventures, providing a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the region and provide excellent opportunities to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the area around Turtle Island.
Located a bit further away, the Barrier Island Sanctuary offers guided sea turtle walks during the nesting season. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience about sea turtle conservation and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
There are numerous eco-tours available in the nearby Everglades. These tours, often led by experienced naturalists, allow you to explore the unique ecosystems of the Everglades, including mangroves, marshes, and wildlife such as alligators and birds.
Find eco-tours and other fun things to do in the local parks and surrounding areas by visiting: VisitEvergladesCity.com/Things-To-Do
