We all miss the feel of the grassy tram beneath our feet and the quiet solitude of standing along the edge of the first pond, watching the wading birds feast and preen at Bird Rookery Swamp.
Unfortunately the trail remains closed at the end of the boardwalk as repairs continue on washouts in the back sections. Once those are completed, repairs must be done on the front sections to fill in deep ruts left by the machinery.
In the meantime, fellow lovers of Bird Rookery Swamp, there still is a lot to see. Yesterday a bald eagle was spotted in the parking lot and was later chased away in dramatic fashion by the nesting pair of red-shouldered hawlks. I did not get a photo of the action, but please enjoy this gallery from last week’s (short) free weekly guided walk.
Little blue heron
Pied-billed grebe
Arrowroot or duck potato
Our parking lot view of one alligator; nearby is the red-shouldered hawk nest
Anne here. Yes, that Anne – the one that answers the Facebook messages at all hours of the day and night, the one that chats you up on the phone when you call to ask me if BRS is open. I want to tell you that it’s open – I do. It breaks my heart to know I’m breaking your heart. And when you are mad- and a lot of you are – I want to give you a cookie and tell you it will be okay. Because it will. We’re all just in Bird Rookery Swamp Withdrawal – all of us, even the staff and volunteers.
Of course you can still call me at the office, or Facebook message me – some of you are becoming quite good friends of mine – but in the meantime, here are a few answers to our Frequently Asked Questions about the closure of Bird Rookery Swamp.
Hello? Is it me you’re looking for?
WHY is Bird Rookery Swamp Closed?
This is an important question, and one we have to address right away. It’s come to our attention thanks to some of the fence-hoppers (we’ll chat about y’all in a hot minute) that the public perception is that the boardwalk is barricaded and big NO ENTRY signs are up because the trails are wet, like they always are this time of year, and we don’t want you to get wet feet.
We love wet feet. And we know our die-hard Bird Rookery Swamp friends do as well.
The trails are wet, just as they always are this time of year – okay, maybe a BIT more wet than usual. But the reason the trail is shut down at the end of the boardwalk is hazardous conditions due to contractors working on the trail to fix washouts.
Working with BIG LOUD DANGEROUS machinery and they can’t see anything around them, so the trail was closed for the safety of all involved.
Why are there so many washouts, and what is a washout?
The trail at Bird Rookery Swamp should not be there.
WHAT?
Bird Rookery Swamp is at the very bottom of the 60,000-acre watershed. And when the area was logged for cypress, the tram was built to hold the railroad, blocking the natural flow of water. Every single year when the water flows south, we have blow-outs on the trail, and we slap a band-aid on (a gravel band-aid) and fill it in, then wait for the next rainy season to blow out different areas.
Add in a hurricane and we’ve got a lot more washouts than usual and some of the old ones became dangerous deep-water crossings. The one by Ida’s pond was waist deep on me (Anne) two weeks after the hurricane and the water was flowing pretty hard as I stood there and tried to trim back part of a tree that fell.
So. We have washouts. We will continue to have washouts. We just had a lot more than normal this rainy season. And all the washouts need to be repaired so you can hike, bike and enjoy the entire loop.
Why is this taking so LONNNNNNNGGGGG?
Water. The trails are wet. The big, heavy machinery will do a lot of damage to the really wet sections, or get stuck. So wet trail conditions are delaying the project. But every week the contractor is checking on the trails, and it is drying up – so we keep our fingers crossed.
You OTTER be fixing these trails!
Why can’t you just open up the first part? It looks fixed.
Remember how I talked about the heavy machinery? Well, it made deep ruts in that first section, and those need to be smoothed out for the safety of our guests and visitors. And, to get that machinery in, the trails need to dry up.
Also – I, or we, the CREW Trust – cannot open or close trails. The South Florida Water Management District manages the lands within the CREW Project, and most of those are public lands (which is why there is no charge to park or visit the trail). We – the CREW Trust- are the non-profit that provides environmental education for all ages on the trails. We also do our best to raise awareness about the watershed by telling people about the trail systems through Facebook and this website. WE cannot open or close the trails – only the District, our partner agency, can do that.
If I can’t go to Bird Rookery Swamp to ride my bike/hike/walk my dog/take photos of awesome wildlife, where can I go?
There are two trail systems off of Corkscrew Road, just a quick fifteen minute drive east of I-75. The CREW Marsh Trails is the only trail system within the CREW Project that is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and the Cypress Dome Trails is our least-visited trails BUT has the most active wildlife according to sightings by hikers.
I saw a bear there about two months ago – my first sighting of a bear on one of the CREW Trails.
You can hike, go birding, walk your dog and/or take photos at either trail system. Bikers, head to the Cypress Dome Trails. 100% of the Marsh Trails are clear, thanks to Jessi and a lot of FGCU student volunteers. The Cypress Dome Trails are mostly clear, except for the Wild Coffee Trail, which is the back part of the white trail. CREW Trust staff and volunteers are slowly clearing that by hand and waiting for it to dry up to continue working.
Can I volunteer and help clean up Bird Rookery Swamp so it gets open sooner?
I wish you could. I wish I could. But the District is in charge of this project, so we respect their closure and try to wait patiently.
If you do like to clear trails, please volunteer! We will have trail clean-ups in preparation for the opening of Flint Pen Strand for the public. We also have a great group of volunteers – please fill out an application if you are interested.
What happens if I just hop the fence?
Well, that’s a bad idea. We’ve already been told of one rescue by Collier County deputies of a hiker who hopped the fence and then needed assistance in the back part of the trails. The District also has signs posted that say the trail is closed; FWC Law Enforcement says it is a $50 fine if/when you are caught.
From a purely personal standpoint – we, your friendly staff at the CREW Trust, worry about your safety. Please respect the closure and try to wait patiently for it to re-open so we can see you soon at our guided walks and programs.
Looking to fill out your already bustling December calendar? We have something for everyone this December!
For the insectually curious and those itching for a bit of fun, join FGCU instructor and President of the Florida Mosquito Control Association Neil Wilkinson for Mosquitos of the Marsh: a CREW Strolling Science Seminar on Friday, Dec. 8. You’ll learn about the life cycles and histories of fresh floodwater and natural container species of mosquitos common to Southwest Florida. From identifying adult mosquitos caught in traps set the night before to using dip nets to survey for mosquiot predtaors, this is sure to be a can’t miss event! For more information or to purchase tickets, head to eventbrite.com.
Tuesdays are TrailDays at the CREW Marsh Trail! Volunteer naturalist and spider enthusiast Janet Bunch leads our free weekly guided walks from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. What can you expect in December? From the small boardwalk, you might spy string lilies blooming. Butterfly sightings may include Gulf Frittilaries and Zebra Longwings, both often spotted close to Suzanne’s Pavillion. The view from the observation tower will still show lush green sawgrass as the water levels are just beginning to dry down from our very wet rainy season. Red-shouldered hawks are pairing up and filling the air with their boisterous calls. As always, what we see depends on the day, which makes each walk different from the last! Register today at eventbrite.com. Can’t make it out to the trails on Tuesdays? You’re in luck! December’s Saturday Walk will be at the CREW Marsh Trails on Dec. 9; register at eventbrite.com.
The wading birds are flocking to Bird Rookery Swamp and will join us on our Wednesday walks!! Egrets and herons and Roseate Spoonbills are filling in the small ponds and are even visible at times from the trail parking lot. String lilies are blooming throughout the swamp and you may even spy an adult or juvenille water moccasin swimming slowly around the bases of the cypress trees and knees. The pied-billed grebes are back in the small canal and we’re hoping to see little tiny grebes this spring. We’re still waiting on the full trail to re-open but our Wednesday walks will continue, covering the shell path and boardwalk, then expanding onto the grassy traim once the district completes repairs and restoration. Sign up for your free spot today at eventbrite.com.
Members, make sure your calendar is marked for our Member Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, January 13! Want to join in the fun, but aren’t a member? You can become a member today and you’ll receive an invitation to our picnic, our very popular wine and cheese social under the stars; our quarterly newsletter; and discounts on Strolling Science Seminars and other CREW Trust programs.
UPDATED 5/1/2017 Bird Rookery Swamp Trails are OPEN. Please be advised there may be smoke on some sections of the trail due to a nearby mulch fire.
Due to the mulch fire on Jones Mining Road, Bird Rookery Swamp trails are closed.
We will announce updates on our Facebook pages (CREW Land & Water Trust and Bird Rookery Swamp).
Our other two trail systems, CREW Marsh Trails and Cypress Dome Trails, are open and we hope you will visit the trails while we wait for Bird Rookery Swamp to open again.
For me, it started with something as simple as an odd bird call.
We heard the loud call at dusk and tiptoed into the backyard. I turned on my phone to record the sound and shushed the kids, afraid we would scare away the bird.
(apologies for the video being sideways- I was a bit excited)
A quick text to a birding friend revealed it was a Chuck-will’s-widow and, while it was new to us, it wasn’t as uncommon as we thought. A little curiosity about our backyard resident led to a bit of research and learning for our family. I added the bird to my lifetime birding list (which is admittedly shorter than I’d like it to be). The experience certainly meant something to my family but, beyond observation, would it count to anyone else?
Making our wildlife observations count is the topic of the CREW Trust’s final Strolling Science Seminar this season. Dr. Win Everham will lead us along the trail at Bird Rookery Swamp in Naples for a hands-on learning experience.
Our everyday observations can be scientific and can help conservation efforts. It’s just a matter of knowing how.
One of our volunteers, Tom Mortenson, wanted to learn more about the wildlife in his new Florida home. He set up game cameras, similar to those he had up north, on parts of the CREW Project. That led to his first images of Florida panthers and he now submits the data he collects to the FWC panther biologists. His curiosity led to his contributions as a citizen scientist.
From backyard calls to uncommon sightings, your observations count.
Want to learn how you can also be a citizen scientist? Join us on April 29 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members, and must be purchased in advance (eventbrite.com).
National Walking Day is the first Wednesday in April, and the CREW trails are a great place to get out and walk, no matter what your fitness level may be. Check out our suggestions for a few spots to celebrate with some fresh air and sunshine.
CREW Marsh Trails
Location: 4600 Corkscrew Road (CR 850), Immokalee, FL 34142. Approximately 20 minutes east of I-75.
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Difficulty: Easy
Wear: Closed toed shoes and socks
Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars and cameras
Take a stroll on wide, hard-packed, mowed trails to the observation tower, where you can view the 6000 acre sawgrass marsh that helps clean the water that flows south and replenishes our aquifer. On the way to the tower, you will travel through pine flatwoods and an oak hammock. You may see butterflies, dragonflies, swallow tailed kites, red shouldered hawks, palm warblers, gopher tortoises and wildflowers in bloom. Approximate distance: 1.4 miles to the tower and back to the parking lot.
Cypress Dome Trails
Location: 3980 Corkscrew Road (CR 850), Immokalee, FL 34142. Approximately 15 minutes east of I-75.
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Difficulty: Medium
Wear: Closed toed shoes and socks
Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars and cameras
Start on the yellow loop from the parking lot and follow it around to the green loop. You’ll walk through pine flatwoods, cypress domes and you can stop to rest on a small bench overlooking one of our seasonal marshes. The end of the green loop takes you past Jim’s Pavilion, a great spot to sit and enjoy a snack or lunch. You may see butterflies, red shouldered hawks, wildflowers, warblers, woodpeckers, yellow rat snakes and box turtles. Approximate distance: 2.4 miles; if the distance is too much, use one of the two blue short cut trails.
Become a “Looper” and hike the entire loop at Bird Rookery Swamp! You’ll walk on wide, grassy raised trams and share the trail with wildlife, including alligators, otters, banded water snakes, red bellied turtles, barred owls, roseate spoonbills, egrets and more. Approximate distance: 13 miles; if the distance is too much, head back to the parking lot before you begin to feel tired. The loop may take six or more hours; it is very important to bring food and water with you and to check your energy levels often to determine if you can make the full loop or not. as there are no shortcut trails.
On Wednesday, March 22, volunteer Dick Brewer walked the trails at Bird Rookery Swamp and sent us his wildlife observations.
If you are planning on visiting Bird Rookery Swamp this weekend, trail conditions are very dry and water levels are low. Below are Dick’s observations along with photos by Dick and another volunteer, Bill Zaino.
Please note that there are no guarantees that you will see the same animals that were seen on March 22.
Hikers at Bird Rookery Swamp by Bill Zaino
Bird Rookery Swamp observations
Wednesday, March 22
7:15 a.m. 3:25 p.m.
BIRDS
Anhinga – 23
Great Blue Heron – 4
Great Egret – 38
Little Blue Heron – 11
Tri-Colored Heron – 2
Green Heron by Bill Zaino
Green Heron – 5
Black-crowned Night Heron – 14
White Ibis – 31
Roseate Spoonbill – 4
Roseate Spoonbill by Dick Brewer
Wood Stork – 17
Black Vulture – 117
Turkey Vulture – 33
Red-shouldered Hawk – 25
Common Ground Dove – 4
Mourning Dove – 4
Barred Owl – 3
Belted Kingfisher – 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker – 30
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 1
Downy Woodpecker – 3
Pileated Woodpecker – 7
Eastern Phoebe – 4
Great-crested Flycatcher – 6
Carolina Wren – 23
House Wren – 1
Blue Jay – 1
American Crow – 3
Tufted Titmouse – 16
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – 12
Gray Catbird – 34
White-eyed Vireo – 24
Blue-headed Vireo – 1
Ovenbird – 1
Northern Waterthrush – 1
Black-and-white Warbler – 7
Common Yellowthroat – 6
Northern Parula – 10
Black-throated Green Warbler – 2
Black-throated Green Warbler by Dick Brewer
Palm Warbler – 15
Northern Cardinal – 13
Common Grackle – 2
BUTTERFLIES
Spicebush Swallowtail – 3
Palamedes Swallowtail – 18
Tiger Swallowtail – 1
Zebra Longwing – 42
Julia – 3
White Peacock – 62
Gulf Fritillary – 3
Viceroy – 2
Phaon Crescent – 10
Pearl Crescent – 1
Great Southern White – 1
Cassius Blue – 5
Tropical Checker – 3
Red-Waisted Florella Moth – 3
DRAGONFLIES
Eastern Pondhawk – 26
Needham’s Skimmer – 4
Blue Dasher – 8
REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS
Alligator and turtle at Bird Rookery Swamp by Bill Zaino
Each week volunteers Dick Brewer and Rick Mears walk the trail at Bird Rookery Swamp and complete a critter count. Below is this week’s list. This is a great example of citizen science and we hope you’ll hit the trails and see if you can match any of their findings!
We’re counting down to our concert and are very excited to share our 2017 Silent Eco-Auction items!
Each year our silent auction grows, but it never loses it’s eco-focus. This year, we have fifteen exclusive adventures for you to bid on, each more unique than the next. Take a look at six of this year’s auction lots, and see the rest Saturday when the auction opens at 5:15 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.
Auction Lot #40: Fakahatchee Swamp Hike
Ready for a wet walk? You’ll head to Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve Park with three friends and enjoy a four hour guided walk with a naturalist. While wading through the swamp, you’ll learn about the animals and plants that call the preserve home, including bromeliads and orchids. Value: $400; Starting Bid: $100.
Auction Lot #14: Buggy Ride for 10 at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
CREW Trustee Ed Carlson will take you and 9 friends on an exclusive tour of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in your very own swamp buggy. You’ll learn about the history of the sanctuary along with swamp ecology and the importance of conservation in Southwest Florida. Value: $1500; Starting Bid: $150.
Auction Lot #10: Exclusive Bird Rookery Swamp Bike Tour
This private bike tour will be led by local cyclist and naturalist Peter Davis. You’ll experience the most remote parts of Bird Rookery Swamp as you complete the entire 12 mile loop. You and 9 friends will see alligators, wading birds, otters and more on this 3-4 hour ride. Each participant must BYOB (bring your own bike), helmet, water and supplies; bikes must be suitable for grassy terrain. Value: $500; Starting Bid $100.
Auction Lot #38: Fossil Trip for Two
Join Fossil Expeditions (as seen on the Travel Channel) for a guided fossil trip for two at one of their many sites. You’ll get to dig in and get dirty as you search for mammal, shark and reptile fossils, all covered under a group permit from the Vertebrate Paleontology Department at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainseville. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $60
Auction Lot #15: Tour of FGCU Food Forest
This is the perfect lot for curious foodies! You and three guests will enjoy a three hour private tour of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Food Forest, a student-run botanical garden on FGCU’s campus. You’ll see and learn about growing your own food and what edibles grow well in our sub-tropic climate. At the conclusion of the tour, the winning bidder will take home a basket of food from the food forest. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $20
Auction Lot #45: Brew for a Day at Momentum Brewhouse
CREW is all about preserving water, and water is the main ingredient in BEER! The winner of this lot will work with owner Brian Hahn and his brewers to create a 1/3 barrel of craft beer. You will be involved in every step of the process and receive a Momentum Brewhouse gift pack and lunch at the brewery. Once the batch is ready to serve, you’ll be invited back to for a VIP tasting for you and three friends. Value: $150; Starting Bid: $70.
Want to see more? Get your tickets now for our 2017 CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction on Feb. 18 from 5-9 p.m. at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
