There are many Marco Island attractions for you and your family to choose from, but the Otter Mound Preserve is a must-stop place when you visit the island. The area is about 2.45 acres and allows visitors to take pleasant strolls through natural scenery and see magnificent wildlife.
What is Otter Mound Preserve?
The history of Marco Island’s Otter Mound Preserve is exceedingly rich. Thousands of years ago, on what is now Marco Island, Florida, lived the ancient Calusa Native Americans. Native Americans survived off the land by eating oysters, clams, and other nearby shellfish they could find. Over time, these people amassed large mounds as they discarded the shells after finishing their fish. This massive shell mound at one point in time stretched 80 acres!
The Otter Mound Preserve was created in 2004 and is now just a tiny area spanning 2.45 acres. The Otter Mound Preserve is a can’t-miss destination while you stay on Marco Island, as it is a significant part of Marco Island history.
Due to the island’s soil composition, artifacts such as bones and tools were well-preserved in the mound for you to see today! The Otter Mound Preserve is a well-known hotspot for travelers looking to explore Floridian land, as it was 12,000 years ago. There is also an array of Marco Island wildlife, including over 60 species of animals and 127 species of plants!
About 150 years after the disappearance of the Calsua native people, came the arrival of a white settler, Ernest Otter. Otter lived here from the 1940s until 1997, and the island eventually got its name from him. He used the shells he found to line the terraces on his newfound property and form decorative walls.
Things To Do
This travel destination is hidden away in a residential area on the south side of Marco Island at 1831 Addison Court, where you will find a three-car parking lot. There are many things to do on Marco Island in the Otter Mound Preserve.
Observe Local Wildlife
This preserve is a tropical hardwood hammock that offers a dense vine-like habitat for animal species. This environment type is usually only found on uninhabited coastal barrier islands. This Maritime Coastal habitat is considered rare and endangered and is among the highest priorities for habitat preservation efforts.
The Otter Mound Preserve once spanned 80 acres until volunteers cleared most of it in 1962 to develop the land. Since then, 25-30 varieties of local species have been planted to replenish the losses in the clearings. You will find large, salt-tolerant trees and threatened plant species here that help to support a diverse range of wildlife.
Some recorded wildlife on Marco Island includes about 57 species of birds and 127 species of plants. Some of the animals you can find here include the gopher tortoise, Virginia opossum, gray squirrel, bobcat, and raccoon! Many of the plants are identified by signs, so you can note the names of some of the plants you spot to learn more about later.
Here you will find the Gumbo Limbo Tree, also commonly known as the Tourist Tree. How did it get this unique nickname? The tree’s bark is red and peels off, similarly to that of a sunburned tourist!
Another exciting tree species here is the Strangler Fig. It begins its life cycle as an “air plant” and lodges into a host tree. When its roots reach the ground and develop, the Strangler Fig intertwines its roots and trunk around the host tree and strangles it to death!
This preserve is part of the Conservation Collier. Their program mission is to preserve vital, threatened land across Collier County, Florida, in hopes of restoring and maintaining its natural beauty.
Walking Trails
When you visit the Otter Mound Preserve, you can walk along the shady mulched trails of the preserve, passing through gumbo limbo trees, strangler figs, and yellow elders. These trails gently loop through the small forest, winding for 700 feet.
While you are walking, you will find three large signs to help guide you on your journey. These signs will also tell some of the rich histories of the site.
You will pass the 1,700 feet handmade Calcua shell walls on your nature walk. At first glance, you might not realize you are even looking at shells! An outhouse can also be found and is the only structure on the premises. The Calsua people built this outhouse during the same era as the shell wall!
Visitors can now openly walk the site that environmentalists and archaeologists once only explored. As you walk, you will find a few benches to sit on and enjoy the preserve’s natural beauty. Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities here, so make sure you use the restroom before stopping by.
It might be challenging to navigate strollers and wheelchairs through the natural mulch trail.
What To Bring
This park is relatively small, so you only need to anticipate bringing a little with you.
Carrying water as you travel on vacation is always crucial to help you avoid dangerous health hazards such as dehydration or overall bodily fatigue. Visitors should also consider wearing and bringing sunscreen, as the Otter Mound Preserve is entirely outdoors.
Of course, you should bring the whole family to Otter Mound Preserve when you visit Marco Island! The preserve is one of the most sought-after Marco Island attractions.
Plan Your Visit!
Are you ready to discover the Otter Mound Preserve on Marco Island? There’s no need to wait any longer! Book your stay with Clausen Properties and choose from any of our stunning vacation rentals. Start your adventure today!
Book Your Marco Island Rentals With Clausen Properties
If you’re planning a vacation to the island and are looking for the perfect Marco Island vacation rentals, look no further than Clausen Properties Rentals Inc. We have a wide selection of Marco Island, Florida rentals for you to choose from.
When you stay at one of our Marco Island FL rentals, you can lounge on crystal sand beaches, enjoy eating delicious freshly caught seafood, or choose from a wide variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking or attractions like the Otter Mound Preserve. You will never see large crowds or get stuck in traffic jams on Marco Island, as this island is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets!
If you are feeling adventurous, rent a kayak to explore the waters of Marco Island. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or just starting on the seas, many kayak rental and tour options are ideally suited to you.
Our condo rentals in Marco Island are reasonably priced, complete with luxurious amenities, and close to all the most popular attractions of Marco Island! You will enjoy the benefits of a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi services at incredibly high speeds, and gorgeous properties overlooking the island!
Another excellent choice for vacation rentals on Marco Island is the oceanfront properties. These properties offer a fantastic combination of luxury and comfort. Our Marco Island beachfront rentals feature different amenities, depending on which condo you book for your vacation. Many include beautiful balconies, flat-screen televisions, and more!
Whether you’re visiting Marco Island for a weekend getaway or staying for the month, Clausen Properties Rentals Inc. has got you covered! Contact us to book your vacation rental on Marco Island today!