This area is the only significant saltwater wetland left in eastern Cape
Coral. The park contains 365 acres of red, black and white mangroves along
with large open areas of marshlands. There are 5000 ft. of shoreline on the
Caloosahatchee River and small tidal streams meander into the interior.
Wildlife that may be seen include various herons and egrets, otters, raccoons,
woodpeckers, and migratory birds. Infrequent visitors include alligators,
osprey, anhingas, cormorants, white ibis and ducks.
The tidal creeks are home to many small fish and the young of our game fish
species, which take shelter in the mangroves and marshes to escape predators
and find food. In this way saltwater wetlands are vitally important in
acting as nurseries for our fish and shellfish.
The marsh plants and mangroves of EcoPark also filter our pollutants as water
drains from the mainland to the river. As the water flows slowly through
the marshes it is cleaned before it reaches the river. Mangroves also trap
nutrients and protect the shoreline from erosion.
It is very important to preserve areas like Eco Park, as without these areas,
many important fisheries will decline and ultimately disappear along with the
wildlife we all enjoy in Southwest Florida. Please help conserve and protect
out natural areas.
City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Dept. |