Hidden Cypress Preserve is made up of two nominations that total 428 acres in north eastern Bonita Springs. This land is within the County's Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource Area (DR/GR), the area from which the County collects the majority of its drinking water from underground aquifers. Keeping this land as open space protects a groundwater recharge area, maintains natural flood protection for a significant upstream drainage area, and preserves a natural wetland system that purifies surface waters. This site will likely become a popular bird and wildlife viewing area for tourists and residents alike after the site's restoration. Native birds such as woodstorks and roseate spoonbills forage in the vast wetlands. The property has a variety of scenic plant communities to hike through, including pine flatwoods, live oak hammocks; freshwater marshes, and cypress and other wetland forests. The large size and diversity of habitats is very beneficial to wildlife, including wide ranging species such as the black bear and panther.
