SCCF has seven preserves that are open to the public. From iconic interior wetlands to upland hammocks, they offer trails where you can experience diverse habitats. Some preserves can be accessed by bike, while others are limited to foot traffic to help protect our wildlife. We invite you to explore each one and enjoy what makes our island unique.
In keeping with the ethos of our Sanctuary Island, most of our preserve lands are closed to the public to protect ecologically sensitive features and wildlife. Whether habitat for rare and endangered species or delicate ecological areas, our closed preserves ensure the survival of unique plants and animals on the islands.
Map of SCCF's Preserves and Properties
Click on a marker to learn more
PICK PRESERVE
Status: Open to public
Year Acquired: 1994
Size: 26 Acres
Previous Owner: BeGraft
The Pick Preserve was purchased by SCCF in 1995 and is a vital link within the surrounding preserved lands enhancing the function of interior freshwater habitats, such as spartina marsh and upland hardwood hammock communities.
In the spring of 2000, through a grant from The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, an educational nature trail and screened-in teaching shelter were installed in the preserve. The Sanibel School is located directly across the street from The Pick Preserve, making it an ideal setting for environmental-based field trips.
Kindergarteners through eighth graders take part in experiential learning through the use of this outdoor classroom.
Erick Lindblad PreserveERICK LINDBLAD PRESERVE: TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Year Acquired: 1978
Status: Temporarily inaccessible
Size: 212 Acres
Previous Owner: Green, Bailey, Finger, Newman
The Erick Lindblad Preserve comprises 212 acres behind SCCF's Nature Center (3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road).
Acquired over the years 1971-1984, the lands that became the Nature Center protect a core component of the Sanibel River and the unique interior freshwater wetland. The Lindblad Preserve encompasses the Sanibel River, uplands, and a seasonal freshwater wetland — a unique feature for a barrier island.
Our trail system will let you experience it all.
Frannie's PreserveFRANNIE'S PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the Public
Year Acquired: 1999
Previous Owner: Trostt
BAILEY HOMESTEAD PRESERVE
Status: Open to public
Size: 28 Acres
Year Acquired: 2011
Previous Owner: Bailey
Home of the Native Landscapes & Garden Center, the Bailey Homestead Preserve is one of SCCF's most well-visited public preserves.
The front 9 acres running along Periwinkle Way are open to the public, with the Shipley Trail, our retail garden center, and the historic Bailey home, which is closed to the public other than for special events.
The remaining 19 acres are for the benefit of wildlife on Sanibel, creating a wildlife corridor. Call 239-472-1932 with any questions.
Bailey Homestead PreserveBIRD HOUSE & BAY DRIVE PRESERVES
Status: Closed to public
Year Acquired: 2012, 1986
Previous Owners: Sanger, Gigstad and Dormer
SANIBEL GARDENS
Status: Open to the public
Year Acquired: 1987
Size: 61 acres
Part of a larger 265 acre preserve in the center of the island's interior freshwater wetlands was originally platted in the 1920s as the Sanibel Gardens/Tarpon Bay Subdivisions.
In the early 1970s, SCCF began acquiring the key properties along the Sanibel River corridor, totaling 61 acres. In 1987, the City of Sanibel began acquisition of the remaining properties, which was completed in 2003.
Restoration efforts including removal of Australian pines and Brazilian pepper, backfilling mosquito ditches, removal of fill roads, and reconnection of the Sanibel River occurred from 2001-2003.
This preserve is dedicated to the citizens of Sanibel and their foresight in protecting and restoring these rare barrier island freshwater wetlands.
Periwinkle PreservePERIWINKLE PRESERVE
Status: Open to the public
Year Acquired: 2001
Previous Owner: Ricciani and Haywood
Located on Periwinkle Way and can be accessed by foot or bike. This preserve comprises approximately 7 acres of tropical hardwood hammock.
Since the removal of Australian pine after Hurricane Charley in 2004, over 5,000 trees and shrubs have been planted. In time, the hammock area will provide a haven for wintering and migratory songbirds. A trail winds through this area and provides the opportunity to see many uncommon species of tropical plants and the bird life they attract.
Look for the gazebo, which is across the street (and a little to the west) from Sanibel Community Church.
Bob Wigley PreserveBOB WIGLEY PRESERVE
Status: Open to the public
Year Acquired: 2009
Previous Owner: DeVorin
This preserve is named in honor of Bob Wigley, a beloved islander known for his quiet and generous support of local causes. One short trail leads to a gazebo, and a second leads to an overlook on the Sanibel River.
Its purchase by SCCF in 2007 completed the acquisition of 6.5 miles of land along the Sanibel River corridor. This preserve consists of three tracts — the Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Tract, the John and Mary Jo Boler Family Tract, and the Pete & Pat Allen Family Tract — and was dedicated in 2009.
The Bob Wigley Preserve is accessible by foot or on bike on Casa Ybel Road.
Blue Skies PreserveBLUE SKIES PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 2001
Previous Owner: Hendry and Armstrong
BUCK KEY
Status: Open to the public, managed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Year Acquired: 1983
In the mid-1970s, SCCF began the effort to preserve 335-acre Buck
Key, the largest uninhabited island in Pine Island Sound. In 1978, SCCF worked to persuade the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
to buy Buck Key. SCCF’s efforts with owner Elena Duke Benedict led to a donation of 194
acres to be named the Benedict Wildlife Sanctuary and deeded to the USFWS.
Only 10 acres remain in private hands.
York and Coconut Islands
YORK AND COCONUT ISLANDS
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1998
Previous Owner: Masco
LONG CUT PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 2000
Previous Owner: Hendry
MCGREGOR PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 2021
Previous Owner: L. Phillip Gaspe
MACKEEVER KEYS PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 2023
Previous Owner: Kathleen Hecksher
DUNES PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1984
Previous Owner: Mariner Corp.
DIXIE BEACH PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1988-1997
Previous Owners: Connor, Key Trust Company of Florida
WEST SANIBEL RIVER PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1985
Previous Owners: Konrad, Condra, Dewitt, Sebok
GULF RIDGE & SEASPRAY PRESERVES
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1980s
Previous Owners: San-Ridge Inc., Coastal Development Corp.
LANE & GOPHER WALK PRESERVES
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1990
Previous Owners: May and Lane, Paulsen
WULFERT EAGLE BUFFER
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1993
Previous Owners: Sanctuary Residential Properties Ltd.
WALKER PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1994
Previous Owners: Dr. Walter, Elaine Walker
MITCHELL PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1973
Previous Owners: Mitchell
EAST ROCKS & SEA OATS PRESERVES
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1979-1981
Previous Owners: Sanibel Properties, Bancroft, City of Sanibel
SAWGRASS TRACT
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1990
Previous Owner: Hushka
C.R. JOHNSTON & SANIBEL HIGHLANDS PRESERVES
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1987-1991
Previous Owners: Johnston, Sawbridge
ALGIERS PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1983
Previous Owners: Dayton
DAYTON PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1983
Previous Owners: Dodrill
PATTERSON ISLAND PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1983
Previous Owner: Patterson
Size: 47 acres
ALBRIGHT ISLAND PRESERVE
Status: Closed to the public
Year Acquired: 1990
Previous Owner: Princeton University
Size: 14 acres
Public Preserves
Erick Lindblad Preserve: Temporarily Closed
212 acres behind SCCF's Nature Center including a seasonal freshwater wetland. This preserve is temporarily inaccessible due to Hurricane Ian damage.
Erick Lindblad Preserve
Temporarily closed
The Erick Lindblad Preserve, previously called the Center Tract, comprises 212 acres behind SCCF's Nature Center.
Acquired over the years 1969-84, with multiple past owners, the lands that became the Nature Center protect a core component of the Sanibel River and the unique interior freshwater wetland. The preserve encompasses the river, uplands, and a seasonal freshwater wetland — a unique feature for a barrier island. Our trail system will let you experience it all.
This preserve was renamed in 2018 to honor SCCF's retired CEO, Erick Lindblad.
Sanibel Gardens Preserve
A key property along the Sanibel River corridor, totaling 61 acres
Periwinkle Preserve
Comprises approximately 7 acres of tropical hardwood hammock
Pick Preserve
Includes an educational nature trail and a screened-in teaching and learning shelter
Bob Wigley Preserve
Preserve with two short trails along the Sanibel River corridor
Puschel Preserve: Temporarily Closed
The acquisition of the Puschel Preserve was the last piece in creating a significant wildlife corridor along the Sanibel River. This site is currently undergoing restoration.
Preserve News
Visit here for ongoing updates on the re-opening of our preserves and habitat restoration.
