Visitors to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge find an abundance of wading birds. The fresh and saltwater marshlands are an important habitat for wading birds such as the American Woodstork, which is an endangered species. The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is the major drainage slough of the southwestern Big Cypress Swamp and the largest and most unusual of the strands. Its forest of mixed Bald Cypresses, Royal Palms and abundant epiphytic plants is unique. It also has the largest concentration and variety of orchids in North America.
Most parks offer camping, biking, fishing and canoeing.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is located 5 miles north of the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway. The reserve features pristine mangrove forests surrounding shallow bay waters as well as abundant wildlife. Marco Island Take a break from the rustic outdoors and enjoy one of the tamer natural resources famous in South Florida. Detour north along the trail to Marco Island, known for water and sun sports, and fishing and hunting resorts. Marco Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands.