from the
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation web site:
At 365 acres, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is the second largest preserved green space in Cape Coral*. Located just north of Veteran's Parkway, Four Mile Cove / “Eco Park” is a brackish water wetland area that features a walking trail, visitor center, Veterans Memorial Area, and seasonal kayak rentals. There is an 800’ portage along the kayak trail, therefore it is not for beginners and children under 6 are not permitted in the kayaks. However, visitors of any age can walk through the preserve on the boardwalk. Possible wildlife sightings include eagles, ibis, herons, other wading & migratory birds, raccoons, snakes, etc. Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center for information on programs, local wildlife, trail guides and the “last chance to use the facilities.”
On the south side of the parking lot is the Veterans Memorial Area, which includes several memorials designed to recognize and honor those who have served our country through the U.S. armed services.
As the City of Cape Coral was being developed, the state stepped in and mandated that the area, which was known locally as Four Mile Cove, be preserved. Now, the property is leased from the state to the city to operate as a preserve. The trail system was funded by grants & as a condition of these grants, the city must manage the park to benefit the wildlife; so human intrusion is kept to a minimum. This is a nature preserve, therefore dogs are not permitted on the trails and neither is jogging, skateboarding, biking, skating or rollerblading. The walking trails and access to the Veterans Memorial Area are available year-round, but the kayak rental operation is limited. (Weekends, October thru May).
PARK AMENITIES:
6600’ Nature Trail
Veterans Memorial Area
Picnic Areas
Restrooms
Seasonal Kayak Rentals (Kayak Shack)
Two (2) Observations Piers
Visitor Center (end of city info)
The city calls it a Visitor Center, it's just a shack to house the bathrooms and post some brochures. There were no maps available of the boardwalk, no literature of the area, wildlife, etc. There were some pretty good handouts posted in display cases, but none for visitors. There are patches and pins souvenirs available at the Kayak House on weekends. I was there in April in the middle of the day and saw almost no wildlife, just a few anoles (geckos) and 2 or 3 birds. Biting flies were pesky.