Cedar Point Environmental Park

Cedar Point Environmental Park is one of the last remaining tracts of undeveloped land on Lemon Bay in Charlotte County.  At 115 acres, it is one of Charlotte County's more ecologically unique and diverse parks.  Lemon Bay is a long, narrow estuary that together with numerous creeks that flow into it forms the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve.  Lemon Bay is also an Outstanding Florida Water and part of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.  Today, these designations afford the Bay a great deal of protection.

In 1992 Charlotte County purchased Cedar Point through a grant from the Florida Communities Trust under the Preservation 2000 Program.  In 1994, the County contracted with CHEC, Inc. to protect and manage natural resources of the land.  CHEC, Inc. also established environmental education programming and passive recreation opportunities.

The park was officially opened to the public in November of 1995 and immediately the famous guided nature walks began.  In the summer of 1997 the Florida-style environmental visitors' reception center was opened.  It is now the hot-spot for eco-films, hands-on eco-displays, educational lectures, nature programs, informational pamphlets, and knowledgeable staff and volunteer assistance.  It's also a great place to look out over the beautiful forest and perhaps even spot a gopher tortoise, bald eagle, owl, bobcat! Click the butterfly below for a photo tour!


7 marked Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.  Take time to observe the many different plants and animals of the park's natural communities.  We ask that you stay on the marked trails.  This site is a great location for bald eagle nesting which means that at certain times of the year (October through May) trails may be closed to protect their nesting habits.  They will be clearly marked and we ask that you respect the closures.


School Outings, group tours, and new volunteers are always welcome!

The Center is open year-round, excluding major holidays, Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Contact the center at 941.475.0769.

Other than the beautiful Visitor's Reception Center... with a small gift shop inside...

There is a 750 square feet picnic pavilion on Lemon Bay.  You may reach this pavilion by following the Jeep trail to the water.  This makes a lovely picnic spot... you can snack while watching the great bird life and other wildlife in action.

The photo is that of the deck that goes out from the Pavilion to Lemon Bay.  Here you can stand and take in the beauty of the Bay and the life sustaining seagrasses.  Many times, while quietly observing the water, you may see dolphin, fish or other creatures of the Bay.

At the end of the Pier Trail, which can be reached from the front parking area, is a fishing pier. The pier will allow you to cast into Oyster Creek and hopefully catch a big one! Please make sure you have the proper permits.

Another picnic area is located at the very front of the property close to the first parking area.  This picnic spot offers a view of beautiful retention pond that has recently been planted with several types of native wetland/pond plants.  Many species of birds come to rest and feed in this pond.  You will also enjoy the view of the forest behind the pond. (The picture was taken during the Volunteer Planting event.)

Just down from that picnic area is a playground.  Perfect for youngsters and parents to burn off a little energy, this facility offers all the amenities of a well kept playground.

There is a large restroom facility behind the visitor's center.  It does have running water!  Please help us keep this clean.

And as always, the best feature of all is this... Cedar Point Environmental Park is a great place to hike, to "get away from it all", to enjoy Lemon Bay in its natural state, and  just to be.
 
We hope you enjoy yourself!  Please do keep in mind the old saying holds true here...
"Take only Pictures and Leave only Footprints."

Pets/Alcohol/Other Policies for the Cedar Point Environmental Park

No Pets Allowed

NO Alcohol is allowed in the park.
There is no camping in the Park.
Please no Bike Riding on the trails.
Please no Smoking on the trails.
Eagles:
There are active Bald Eagle Nests on the property.  At times, trails may be closed due to their nesting season.
Eagles are protected by
state and federal laws.
Please abide by the trail closures and do not disturb the birds.
Take only Pictures and Leave only Footprints!
Collection of any kind is not permitted.