Located within the City of Fort Myers and directly east of the city’s Billy Bowlegs Park, Billy Creek Preserve plays an important role in improving water quality in Lee County. The artificially-created filter marshes at this preserve act as a natural “cleaning” system for Billy’s Creek, before it feeds downstream into the Caloosahatchee River. Plants filter out the excess nutrients in the water and help to improve water quality.

The construction of the filter marsh was made possible through grant funding from the South Florida Water Management District and additional funding from the City of Fort Myers. The land is owned by the Lee Board of County Commissioners through the Conservation 20/20 program. However, all daily operations at Billy Creek Preserve are overseen by the City of Fort Myers (https://www.cityftmyers.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Billy-Bowlegs-Filter-Marsh-12).

The site features 1.5 miles of paved multi-use trails that meander around the filter marsh ponds and is a perfect location to enjoy a leisurely walk or a healthy jog. Additional amenities include biking, fishing, dog walking (on-leash), bird watching, and a pavilion. Car parking is located at 4320 Woodside Avenue, near the picnic pavilion.

Billy Creek Preserve Trail Map
Billy Creek Preserve Wildlife Species List
Billy Creek Preserve Plant Species List