Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center

Just south of the Naples Zoo, this 21-acre oasis in downtown Naples provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Short nature trails and boardwalks through native landscaping, mangroves, scrub, pines, and hardwood/palm hammocks offer woodpeckers, hawks, owls, and many warblers, thrushes and vireos during migration. Take the 45-minute electric boat cruise (free with admission, narrated tours offered daily) through a mangrove-lined waterway. Manatees and are sometimes spotted. Kayaks can be rented here if you wish to explore the mangroves on your own (guided paddling tours are also available). Guided walks, off-site tours and educational programs are offered throughout the year, so check the website below for further information. The Briggs Boardwalk, a satellite location maintained by the Conservancy, is a free, 0.5-mile boardwalk trail near Rookery Bay NERR. Over 150 species of birds have been spotted here including, Wood Stork, Glossy Ibis, King Rail, Common Nighthawk, Brown Thrasher and more than 15 species of wood-warbler. The boardwalk is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Conservancy volunteers man the walk seven days a week from January through March, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. except in inclement weather and on holidays. Guided tours take place at 10 a.m. daily from January through March. Great fun for all the family!