This large preserve, located in Alva in northeastern Lee County, provides critical habitat for numerous listed animal species, including Florida Panther, crested caracara, gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake. This preserve also includes a significant area of palmetto prairie, which is a rare plant community in south Florida. The majority of plant communities are fire dependent. Prescribed burns are a large part of the land management efforts, along with invasive plant treatments and mechanical vegetation reduction work. The preserve is also adjacent to Bob Janes Preserve, a Conservation 20/20 preserve which, in turn, is adjacent to state-owned Babcock Ranch Preserve in Charlotte County. Together, these conservation lands provide critical habitat for mammals with large home ranges.
Two separate trailheads are open to the public at Telegraph Creek Preserve. The eastern trailhead is for hiking only and provides hiker access to Bob Janes Preserve. The western trailhead includes both hiking and equestrian use and provides equestrian access to the Bob Janes Preserve trail system.  Bicycles are not allowed at Telegraph Creek Preserve, but Caloosahatchee Regional Park (hyperlink) bike trails are located 2 miles east of Telegraph Creek Preserve.
Telegraph Creek flows through the southeastern portion of this preserve. The creek cannot be accessed from the preserve due to steep banks and seasonal low water.  Parks and Recreation’s Telegraph Creek Paddlecraft Launch (hyperlink) is the access point for paddlers.

Two separate trails are open to the public at Telegraph Creek Preserve. The eastern trailhead is for hiking only and also provides access to Bob Janes Preserve. The western trailhead includes both hiking and equestrian use.

There is no paddlecraft launch at the preserve. However, visitors may canoe or kayak into the preserve via access from Telegraph Creek.