Caloosahatchee Forestry Center
Okaloacoochee Slough and Picayune Strand State Forests
Recreation and Education Activities
Two State Forests are located in Hendry and Collier Counties, totaling over 100,000 acres of land that is managed for multiple resources. The state forests host activities involving environmental education and recreation. Discover how to become a State Forest Volunteer in southwest Florida and help improve our public lands.
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Located in Hendry and Collier Counties along County Road 832 the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest consists of a single tract totaling more than 32,039 acres. Access to Okaloacoochee Slough is available through honor fee pay stations located along CR-832. Seven informational kiosks show the locations of pay stations, gates, trails, and designated roads. Currently, there are two designated parking areas located along CR-832 with additional semi-improved parking areas located in various areas of the Forest.
The Okaloacoochee Slough is one of the few places in South Florida in which pre-Columbian landscape, north of the Everglades or in Big Cypress National Preserve, can be observed. Currently, work continues to improve signage, expand trails, and manage areas through prescribed burning and exotic vegetation control.
More information about this forest can be found at the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest web page, or download the brochure (pdf, 215k). Great Florida Birding Trail Birding Checklist (pdf, 585k).
Picayune Strand State Forest
Picayune Strand Forest is located in western Collier county, approximately two miles east of the town of Naples, and covers 69,975 acres. Access to Picayune Strand is available to recreation users through honor fee pay stations located at our Belle Meade campground and T-Canal campground. Informational kiosks provide locations, trails, maps, and forest rules. Picayune Strand also has a 22-mile horse trail in conjunction with the Division of Forestry's Trail Trotter program.
Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, horse back riding, bird watching, or other recreational activities, Picayune Strand State Forest is sure to offer something for everyone. Picayune Strand is currently using prescribed fires to manage natural areas and finishing mapping the entire forest for presence and density of invasive, exotic plants. More information can be found at the Picayune Strand State Forest web page or download the brochure (pdf, 950k).
Teacher Training, Guided School Tours, and Educational Opportunities
Learn in an outdoor setting while you explore different habitats. We offer hands-on science activities to use in your classroom or outdoors. Schedule to bring your students to one of our state forests and to learn about the wonders of nature. The following workshops are currently available:
Caloosahatchee District Volunteer Program
Help us protect and manage our state forest resources. As a member of the Division of Forestry's volunteer team you may work in either rural or urban areas, in an office, or outside the forest. Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to learn new skills and experience the outdoors. Our volunteer classes are designed to acquaint volunteers with the following: fire prevention, forest ecology, nature trails, birds, other wildlife, and more. Additional information regarding this program can be found at the volunteer opportunities page.
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