Marco Island Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary

Previously known as the Marco Eagle Sanctuary, this has been the site of nesting bald eagles since 2003, with adult eagles remaining on the sanctuary property year round. Regularly seen early morning and late evening before dark. The plan is to preserve the site and develop a Nature Learning Center where the public can experience the natural habitat of pre-developed Marco Island while also preserving the species of birds, animals and flora native to this region. A trail was completed by Nature Preserve’s volunteers, who spread 80 tons of oyster shells that were dumped in piles along a cut out pathway. The 8 feet wide by 1800 feet long nature trail meanders through almost 12 acres of natural land that is dotted with butterflies, wildflowers, native plants, and trees. Currently, an extensive wildflower and native plant identification program is underway with the assistance of the Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island, the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, and FGCU’s Department of Science and Environmental Studies. Plans are also underway for the Nature Preserve’s future butterfly, native plant, and pioneer gardens. This year (2021), the Nature Preserve’s bald eagles did not nest but they remain in the Preserve. The eagles use the nest to consume their fish and leave the nest when they finish their meal. It is not unusual to see osprey immediately swoop into the nest looking for leftovers.