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Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve

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description Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve Overview

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park protects a long, forested wetland in Collier County in southwestern Florida. Its strand swamp, sloughs, marl prairies, and upland habitats support a notably diverse assemblage of native orchids, bromeliads, royal palms, alligators, black bears, and Florida panthers. The preserve is used for hiking, wildlife observation, photography, paddling in designated areas, and research into South Florida's subtropical ecosystems.

help Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve FAQ

Why is Fakahatchee Strand called the orchid capital of North America?

Its warm, humid strand swamp supports 44 native orchid species and 14 native bromeliad species. The preserve's combination of sloughs, royal palms, cypress, and subtropical plants has also earned it the nickname the Amazon of North America.

Can visitors see a ghost orchid at Fakahatchee Strand?

Ghost orchids grow in the preserve, but they are rare, protected, and often located away from ordinary visitor access. Blooming is seasonal and unpredictable, and removing or disturbing any orchid is prohibited.

What is the difference between Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress?

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park protects a particularly long, forested drainage slough managed by Florida State Parks. Big Cypress National Preserve is a much larger federally managed watershed surrounding a mosaic of cypress, prairie, pineland, and hammock habitats.

What is the main driving route through Fakahatchee Strand?

Janes Scenic Drive follows an old logging-tram route into the preserve and provides access to trails and wildlife habitat. It is an unpaved road whose surface and water conditions can vary considerably during the wet season.

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