Maranzas Pass Preserve

I visited the Matanzas Pass Preserve. Upon entering the site, there was a sign which indicated that various portions of the area had been created and altered by storm and wave activity. Also mentioned was that since the 1940’s there has been human development resulting in the alteration in the natural landscape. At this point I took way along the designated path through the preserve. While walking along the path, I stopped to grasp the atmosphere of the preserve as a cool gently breeze passed through. It may have been due to my timing of afternoon, but there was little sound going around. It was very quiet as the only sound was that of the wind flowing through the trees. I really enjoyed the combination of the cover of shade and being blanketed by the subtle warm breeze. There were very few mosquitoes out, which made for a pleasant experience also. Strolling through the path, I observed the landscape and vegetation. Through the lower elevated areas the path was created by a low level man made bridge. As I entered the higher elevations the walkway merged with the natural ground. After speaking with some personnel maintaining the area, they stated that it was designed that way due to the level of water during the rainy season which would occupy the lower elevated areas. The vegetation was distinctively different in the lower areas compared to the higher elevated areas. In the lower areas the vegetation had its roots exposed more as water was available in abundance. The vegetation in the higher areas had their roots dug deep into the ground in order to have better access to the water supply and foods. I was also informed that the natural vegetation compared to exotic plants also handled turbulent climate changes much better since they were better adapted to withstand those conditions. Throughout my walk there was evidence of the human impact on the area, as there was pollution in the water and vegetation. Along with mangrove trees, Matanzas Pass Preserve also has the last maritime oak hammock community existent on Estero Island. Hammocks are elevated areas surrounded by wetlands or different vegetation. Most of the vegetations help cleanse water, as many of the vegetation play an important role of absorbing polluted water in order to purify it. There were not many birds out as it was very hot but I was able to see many crows and one other bird which I was not able to identify. Through the preserve there were dirt hills used as manmade barriers in order to help contain natural fire. In total the preserve consists of 60 acres which was originally inhabited by native Indians. The city of Fort Myers Beach is said to have purchased this land with the intent of preserving the region and there after turned over the title of land to Lee County with the agreement of maintaining its purpose. The preserve consists of 3 different types of mangroves which are named red mangrove, white mangrove and black mangrove. The mangroves are also responsible to majority to the leave litter visible in the preserve. Overall the experience was very calming, especially near the water where the visual was absolutely beautiful. It was very peaceful there. It is worth preserving.