Briggs Boardwalk

A walk through the wild Florida of old

A blog written by Bob Schultheis, Volunteer Co-coordinator for Briggs

Let me show you to a “hidden” gem in the Rookery Bay area. It’s a Conservancy of Southwest Florida off-site program called Briggs Boardwalk.

You will find this sign for Briggs Boardwalk in the parking lot. The months, days, and times are a bit out of date but the sign will be updated soon.

Actually, Briggs Boardwalk is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

You will love the walk. It’s a 1/2 mile, elevated, self-directed walk. Signs along it describe what you are seeing including Florida habitats and the plants and animals that occupy them.

Yeah, I know. The sign shown was a bit ratty so we replaced it earlier in 2015. You will find the same sign, but it will be practically brand new now.

During January through March, Conservancy Volunteers are on the walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every day of the week except January 1 and in bad weather. They will help you spot and identify the creatures and plants there.

Butterfly orchids usually blossom during April and May and are found all along the walk

Ibises on the walk over the marsh looking for a meal in the sawgrass

The picture below shows part of a large, brackish pond that can be viewed from an observation platform about half-way into the walk.

Wading birds resting on the pond as seen from the observation platform

At least one volunteer is always on the observation platform with a spotting scope to help you see birds, alligators, or mammals up close.

Volunteers also provide special guided tours of the walk every day starting at 10:00 a.m. January 2 through March 31 except in inclement weather.

Just meet your guides in the parking lot in front of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission field office at 10:00 a.m.

— And all these things, the boardwalk, help from volunteers, parking, and the special 10:00 a.m. tours are free.

Wondering how to get there?

The first set of signs before Shell Island Road. Beware! That pull off you see just past the signs leads nowhere. Turn into the NEXT RIGHT TURN PULL OFF instead. The road guys confused me the first time, so slow down to give yourself time to see what’s up.

From the north drive east on US 41 until you reach Route 951 (the road to Marco).

Turn right (south) on 951 and drive 2.7 miles until you spot Shell Island Road. The entrance is not too far past the signs in the picture on the left.

Turn right and enter Shell Island Road

From the south, take a left turn off Route 951 just past the entrance to Fiddler’s Creek.

Drive about one mile on Shell Island Road until you see the flagpole in front of the Fish and Wildlife Commission building.

Pull into the parking lot, but do not enter the building. If you are not meeting volunteer guides for a 10:00 a.m. tour, walk around to the back of the building to find the walk’s two entrances. Start off using either one (the walk is a loop) and enjoy your walk into the distant past.

Some tips: take bug spray, sunblock, water, binoculars, and a camera, tablet, or smart phone to take pictures and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Because it’s still the wet season, pond water levels are high making it difficult for wading birds to catch their meals. You may not see large flocks of them gathering until later in the year.