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Manager's Message
The subtle changes of autumn are slowly transforming the Preserve. Migrating
birds are passing through and our seasonal feathered residents are returning
ever so slowly. There are several trails that provide opportunities for
observing birds and other wildlife around the Preserve. Some of them are listed
in the welcome message below. Cooler temperatures and drier trails (but still
wet) make backcountry experiences more pleasant this time of year. However,
there is no drinking water available in the backcountry of the Preserve (Water,
water everywhere and not a drop to drink!) so, be sure to pack in enough water
to sustain you for your well-planned hike. There are many special events
scheduled at the Preserve to celebrate "National Estuaries Days". Guided
bird-watching, kayaking and estuary exploration are some of these events. For
more information check out the Park Activities page or call the Preserve office.
There are many resource management activities occurring throughout the Preserve.
We will be clearing exotic, non-native plants and mowing boundaries throughout
the Preserve. We are also conducting major hydrological / habitat improvement
projects in Punta Gorda south of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. Some
of these activities may result in temporary closures of trails and / or sections
of the Preserve. However, Little Pine Island will be completely closed to
un-supervised visitation for the next few months as intensive habitat
restoration activities are occurring there. I apologize for any difficulties
that these closures present to visitation, however, all of these activities are
helping to make the natural resources of the Preserve even more valuable for us
and future generations. Volunteers spend many hours contributing to the
stewardship of Florida's natural and cultural resources. If you would like to
find out more about volunteering in one of the most beautiful places in Florida,
please give us a call.
- John Aspiolea, Park Manager
Welcome to Charlotte Harbor
Ringing Charlotte Harbor like a necklace of mangroves, the park provides vast
areas of unspoiled scenery and vital habitat for many varieties of wildlife. The
Charlotte Harbor Estuary is one of the most productive in the state and five
aquatic preserves have been established in the water bodies adjacent to the
park. The Mangrove forests and salt marshes comprise the majority of the park,
but public access points have been established at strategic upland points in
each area of the park. The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC)Charlotte
Harbor Environmental Center is located within the park at 10941 Burnt Store Road
in Punta Gorda. CHEC is a non-profit group that has a visitor's center, offers
environmental education programs, interpretive guided hikes, and approximately 6
miles of marked trails. The Old Datsun Trail is located at 12301 Burnt Store
Road in Punta Gorda. This trail is approximately 1.75 miles long and traverses
oak/palm hammocks, pine flatwoods and wetland sloughs. The Little Pine Island
High Marsh Trail is located on the north side of Pine Island Road between
Matlacha and Pine Island. This trail is approximately 2 miles long and traverses
salt marsh, freshwater marsh and mangrove forests. The Catfish Creek Trailhead
is located on the east side of County Road 771 approximately 1 ½ miles north of
Placida. A picnic pavilion is available for visitors to use at this site. Pine
flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and salt marshes are accessible from this
trailhead. Visitors are welcome to explore other areas of the park, unless
posted as closed, but should be aware that these areas are remote and primitive
wilderness. Visitors should take a compass, a map, and sufficient water for
their trip. Almost all areas of the park are wetlands and are subject to
periodic flooding. Heat, muddy trails, and mosquitoes are common elements of
natural Florida. Visitors should be prepared to encounter all of them.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Charlotte Harbor, please call (941) 575 - 5861.
Hours of Operation
Open 8 a.m. - sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
The administrative, resource management and facilities maintenance offices are
located on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda approximately 3 miles south of US
41/Tamiami Trail. Other access points to the park are available in Cape Coral,
Cape Haze, El Jobean, Little Pine Island and Rotonda.
Park Fees
Admission to the park is free.
Charlotte Harbor
12301 Burnt Store Rd. (County Road 765)
Punta Gorda, Florida 33955
Phone: (941) 575 - 5861
Fax: |
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