St. Jude Nature Trail
St. Jude Nature Trail is a 1-mile (round trip) easy hike through native Florida vegetation. This trail is part of the St. James Creek Preserve. It is owned by the Calusa Land Trust and maintained by rangers. Trail access is on Stabile Road in St. Jude Harbor (a residential community in St. James City). You enter the residential community off of Stringfellow Road at Laratonda.
www.calusalandtrust.orgThe Eagle Preserve
The Eagle Preserve is another hiking option that is accessible on Stringfellow Road, just south of the St. James post office. The trail winds through saw palmetto and slash pine, affording the chance to see raccoons, tortoises, armadillos, woodpeckers, and many other birds. This site is co-managed by the Lee County Parks and Recreation and the Calusa Land Trust.
www.calusalandtrust.orgIsland Acres
Island Acres is located on Stringfellow Road just south of the water plant. It has a 1-mile trail that follows along the edge of the community’s lake and into a wetland area. The public is invited to take the easy hike; just follow signs to the trailhead.
www.calusalandtrust.org