Explore Collier County’s ecosystem diversity

Although Collier County is known for beautiful beaches, it also boasts eight different ecosystems. Not only does it host marine-type ecosystems with dunes, mangroves and coral reefs, but it also is the home of hardwood hammocks, shrubs, pinelands, marshes and swamps.

There’s an abundance of mangroves throughout Collier County, but a popular place to find them is the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Hardwood hammocks can be found at Everglades National Park and swamps at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Eye-catching coral reefs can be seen at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the only place to experience coral reefs near Naples.

– Elle Bancroft, Intern Naples High School