This article is sourced from Florida, Kirsten Travis and Jaden Wheeler, Department of English, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Introduction

Florida’s state parks are home to some of the most beautiful, diverse, and historically rich landscapes in the nation. Over the decades, preserving the beauty and the historical image of the parks has been a primary goal. These vast areas of land are essential for the local environment and its wildlife to thrive. Focusing on the Koreshan State Historic Site and Estero Bay Preserve, this guide will explore the alluring ecosystems that make Southwest Florida so beautiful.

The Florida State Park System is one of the largest in the United States, comprising over 175 parks across 800,000 acres and 100 miles of coastline (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2025). Within these thousands of acres in Florida lie Koreshan State Historic Site and Estero Bay Preserve State Park, two prime examples of Florida’s commitment to historical preservation and environmental conservation. Estero Bay Preserve State Park safeguards coastal ecosystems and local wildlife of Southwest Florida (Florida State Parks, 2025). Estero area state parks, such as Koreshan State Historic Site, cover about 200 acres. This acreage offers opportunities for fishing, camping, walking, boating, and canoeing (Florida State Parks, n.d.).

The establishment of Florida’s state parks is rooted in the goal of preserving heritage and legacy. Estero Bay Preserve State Park was founded in 1966, which makes it Florida’s first aquatic preserve (NOAA, 2012). Given the sensitivity of estuarine environments, the creation of this park helps keep it healthy and strong, protecting wildlife.

On the other hand, the Koreshan State Historic Site focuses on the Koreshan Unity and how this group, largely considered a cult, lived a lucrative and progressive lifestyle. This park offers a deep look into the remains of the Koreshan Unity religious settlement group that was founded in the 1800s by Cyrus Teed (Tarlow, 2006). This group was highly self-sufficient, living along the Estero River, using what they needed from their local environment. The Florida Park Service now manages the Koreshan State Historic Site and serves as a museum for visitors in Southwest Florida.

The protection of the bay’s water is important for both the wildlife and the people of Estero. The preserve protects the water and islands, 10 miles of Estero Bay, which is the habitat for several different land and aquatic animals (Org, n.d.).

Estero Bay Preserve State Park staff actively remove invasive species to prevent them from outcompeting native animals (Org, F., n.d.). Staff also aim to protect bird nesting sites from threats such as other wildlife and potential human disturbances (Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, 2025).

Multiple exotic plant removal projects keep the habitats healthy for the native species in the preserve (Removing Exotic Plants at Estero Bay Preserve, 2016). Restoring seagrass in areas damaged by boat propellers is another goal to keep habitats as well-maintained as possible. (Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, 2025)

At the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, constant monitoring of water quality and seagrass and algae tracks the health of the bay and identifies any threats that may damage the preserve. (Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, 2025)

Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Florida’s first aquatic preserve, was established in 1966. The Koreshans’ protection of the natural habitat along the Estero River adds to support for habitats in Estero. Volunteering, donating, and involvement in community events are different ways people can help Estero’s state parks.

The Source of the article above is as follows: Archives and Resources – State Parks Near Estero, Florida, Kirsten Travis and Jaden Wheeler, Department of English, Florida Gulf Coast University, ENC 1102: College Composition II, Professor Wright, October 17, 2025

References

History. (2025). Florida State Parks. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/estero-bay-preserve-state-park/history?utm

History & Nature. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/kor-brochure%20%28002%29_0.pdf

Leary, R. (2012). Robust and Powerful Trend Analyses for Continuous Water Quality Monitoring within the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve (2004-2011). https://chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Leary_2012_Estero-Bay-Datasonde-TS-Report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Park Mapping and Databases | Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2025). Floridadep.gov. https://floridadep.gov/parks/park-mapping-databases?utm_

Tarlow, S. A. (2006). Representing Utopia: The Case of Cyrus Teed’s Koreshan Unity Settlement. Historical Archaeology, 40(1), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03376716

History & Nature. (n.d.). https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/kor-brochure%20%28002%29_0.pdf

Org, F. (n.d.). Visit us online at ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK, Home of wetlands and wildlands. ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/Estero%20Bay%20SP_PROOF_1.17.19.pdf

Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve | Florida Aquatic Preserves. (2025, July 22). Floridaaquaticpreserves.org. https://floridaaquaticpreserves.org/managed-areas/aquatic-preserves/estero-bay-aquatic-preserve#conservation-research

‌ Removing Exotic Plants at Estero Bay Preserve. (2016). Florida State Parks. https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/removing-exotic-plants-estero-bay-preserve