​This preserve is an approximately 186-acre parcel directly south of Lovers Key State Park, along the Gulf of Mexico. It is along the Estero Bay portion of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 

Big Hickory Island Preserve is made up of beaches, mangrove swamps and emerging mangrove islands surrounded by oyster beds. All are important habitats for shore and wading birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Many state and federal endangered species use the preserve for foraging, resting and nesting including snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrines), least terns (Sterna antillarum ), red knots (Calidris canutus), and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). 

The site includes an area to off load kayaks and canoes on the western portion of the preserve, and a primitive trail to a fishing access on the eastern portion of the site. 

No fires and no grilling on the beach.

Big Hickory Island Preserve Land Stewardship Plan
Big Hickory Island Preserve Aerial Map
Big Hickory Island Preserve Plant Species List
Big Hickory Island Preserve Wildlife Species List