| In 1994, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners purchased 750 acres to create this park. In 1997, the Lehigh Corporation donated to the County an additional 61 acres. The park expanded when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection purchased additional acreage through the Greenways and Trails Program. In 1998, the County purchased an additional 39 acres. The 1998 purchase was the first acquisition of environmentally sensitive land by the Conservation 20/20 Program. The Conservation 20/20 Program has since purchased an additional 2 parcels of land increasing Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park property by 42 acres.
On April 20,2002 Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park opened its doors to the public, making this natural area available for all to enjoy & cherish.
This wildlife preserve, co-managed with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, consists of a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey's Creek can be enjoyed from trail and overlook areas. The ecosystem presently supports the threatened Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoises.
The Conservation 20/20 parcels associated with Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park do not have public use amenities, marked hiking trails or parking areas. Several have active cattle leases and access is limited.
The Conservation 20/20 parcels within the Hickey's Creek Greenbriar Connector were purchased to provide connectivity for future hydrological restoration projects. |
