Bonita Nature Place

Welcome to the Bonita Nature Place! Please remember no dogs are permitted on the property due to wildlife such as Gopher Tortoises.


Nature PlaceBonita Nature Place (BNP) provides a local place for learning experiences, volunteerism, and outdoor family activities that strengthens the environmental stewardship commitment within the community while fostering an awareness of old Southwest Florida in its unique, natural setting.

The goal of the Bonita Nature Place (BNP) is to provide a quality nature center to promote conservation and environmental stewardship through education.

About Bonita Nature Place

Nature PlaceTHE GROUNDS: The property sits along the beautiful banks of the Imperial River, a coastal river that drains the freshwater associated with the Corkscrew Regional Watershed into the estuarine areas of Estero Bay. The location makes it a perfect gateway to the southern CREW lands, while it simultaneously offers potential links to blueways for paddlers in the region. The location features a mosaic of interconnected habitat types including oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, riverine forests, and aquatic areas.

Nature PlaceGOPHER TORTOISES: The Bonita Nature Place is home to over 24 active Gopher Tortoises. The Gopher Tortoise is currently classified as a Threatened Species, primarily caused by urban development and habitat loss. Our preserve is important to their survival as their burrows are located throughout the Bonita Nature Place property.

Nature PlaceTHE BEE HOUSE: The Bee House is home to our European Honeybee Observation Hive. The bees are thriving under the special care of our resident Beekeeper, Chris! Our hives are registered with the Department of Agriculture. Many bee hives, a crucial component of a healthy ecosystem, are found on the BNP grounds.

Nature PlaceTHE BAT HOUSE: Our large Bat House was donated by Kent Road resident, Cullum Hasty and the pole was donated by Florida Power and Light (FPL). Community partnerships and collaborative efforts are integral to our goals and successes at the BNP.

Nature PlaceTHE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Our community volunteers planted two butterfly gardens! The main garden features Florida Native Butterfly plants, while the second garden is made up of Florida-friendly plants. The butterflies, bats, and bees are all facing existence complications due to the widespread use of pesticides. At the BNP, we are hoping to bring some recognition to these issues. Florida-friendly landscaping and Xeriscape™ techniques require minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which ensures a cleaner, healthier environment.

For additional information or questions

call (239) 992-2556

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