Briggs Nature Center  The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, State Road 951, south of US 41 East in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Features a half-mile boardwalk, interpretive center, a wide variety of guided boat tours and beach walks are conducted regularly. Info: 239-775-8569. Map

Corkscrew Swamp Audubon Sanctuary  Sanctuary Road, 15 miles east of I-75 on Immokalee Road. 239-348-9151. It's worth the trek to experience this National Audubon Society preserve in the largest remaining old growth bald cypress forest in the world.  A 2.25 mile boardwalk winds through various habitats.  Various animals including alligator, white tail deer, river otter, turtles and black bear and nearly 200 species of birds make their home here. Map

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area  11100 Gulf Shore Drive North, Naples. 239-597-6196.  A variety of animals can be observed along the short nature trail and in the pass including, manatees, gopher tortoises, dolphins, ospreys, and wading birds.  Click for more information about the beach, fishing and other amenities. Map

Estero Bay Preserve State Park is the first aquatic preserve established in Florida and is one of the most productive estuaries in the state. The bay is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the bald eagle. The preserve protects the water, inlets, and islands along 10 miles of Estero Bay. Visitors can canoe or kayak in the bay or on the Estero River. Miles of trails offer visitors the opportunity to hike, bicycle, or study the variety of wildlife and native vegetation protected here.

Naples Nature Center  The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 14th Avenue North off Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples (Just south of Golden Gate Parkway).  239-262-0304.  Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, butterfly garden, short trails, museum and free narrated boat tours.  Canoe and kayak rentals. Map

Naples Preserve  Adjacent to Fleischmann Park at U.S. 41 and Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. A unique green space located in the heart of Naples contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife associated with one of the oldest ecological communities in Florida. Hours: Daily Dawn to dusk. Map

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 300 Tower Road,Naples (off Collier Blvd. just south of US 41) Info: 239-417-6310. Facilities include: self-guided walking and canoe trails, birding and wildlife photography opportunities. Environmental Learning Center, including visitor center and marine laboratory. Map