-It’s a Wildlife Habitat-

Six Mile Cypress Slough is home to at least 10 different species of endangered plants and animals. These species find a safe refuge on 2,500 acres of wetland that otherwise would have been developed.

The Slough is also a welcoming rest stop for migrating birds seeking abundant food sources and safe feeding areas provided by its native vegetation. The birds must build up fat reserves that will later be used to fly south over the Gulf of Mexico. Similarly, on their return trip they need a place to refuel.

-For Education and Low Impact Recreation-

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is the perfect location for people interested in educational programs and recreational activities that create minimal disturbance to wildlife.

Guided walks expose the visitors to the hidden beauties of this unique ecosystem. Educational hands-on programs are provided to local schools, garden clubs and other organizations.

Birding is a popular activity, since the Slough is home to several species of songbirds, wading birds and raptors. And, some visitors like to take photographs or paint and draw on their visits to the Slough.

-To Protect the Health of the Gulf of Mexico-

Although the Slough is several miles inland, it has a big influence on Gulf waters. The two are connected by a series of canals and creeks, and the fresh water of the Slough mixes with the salt water of the Gulf to create an estuary – a very fragile ecosystem that serves as a nursery for many forms of sea life.

The Slough protects the estuary by slowing down the flow of rainwater runoff and allowing sediments to settle out. The plants in the preserve also absorb pesticides and fertilizers that might exist in the runoff.

-For Flood Control and Shallow Well Recharge-

The Slough provides essential, yet often unnoticed, services to the local community. The lush plant life in the Slough cleans the water by absorbing pollutants from the water while slowing the flow and allowing sediments to settle out. The Slough deters flooding by retaining storm water that will eventually filter into the ground to replenish ground water and recharge shallow wells.