| Hidden Cypress Preserve is made up of two nominations that total 428 acres in north eastern Bonita Springs.
This land is within the County's Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource Area (DR/GR), the area from which the County collects the majority of its drinking water from underground aquifers. Keeping this land as open space protects a groundwater recharge area, maintains natural flood protection for a significant upstream drainage area, and preserves a natural wetland system that purifies surface waters. It creates the opportunity to reconnect to Spring Creek, which was cut off in the 70s by the construction of I-75. The reconnection would allow water from eastern Bonita to be routed through this site into Spring Creek. This would reduce the potential flooding of Lightner Creek and the Imperial River while simultaneously improving water quality being discharged from eastern Bonita. These waters would also increase groundwater recharge, rehydrate the onsite wetlands and restore the water flow of Spring Creek.
This site will likely become a popular bird and wildlife viewing area for tourists and residents alike. Native birds such as woodstorks and roseate spoonbills forage in the vast wetlands. The property has a variety of scenic plant communities to hike through, including pine flatwoods, live oak hammocks; freshwater marshes, and cypress and other wetland forests. The large size and diversity of habitats is very beneficial to wildlife, including wide ranging species such as the black bear and panther. |
