The word slough has never before conjured beautiful images, but Six Mile Cypress Slough has changed our definition of the word. Located within the city limits of Fort Myers, it is one of those magical places that's easy to get to, but makes you feel that you're walking somewhere that is miles away from civilization.
There are 2,500 acres of wetlands in the Slough. It is a natural drainage-way and during the wet season, June through October, we are told that the whole area is like a wide, shallow stream. Fresh water flows through the Slough and empties into Estero Bay, which is an aquatic preserve. But even now, 
in the dry season, there is plenty of water in Cypress Slough, making it a great area for bird and animal watching.
Although the Slough is several miles inland, it is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a series of canals and creeks. Fresh water from the slough mixes with the Gulf’s salt water to create an estuary, which serves as a nursery for sea-life and a haven for birds.
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. So it is a big benefit for human residents of Lee County as well as animal, bird and sea-life.
There are so many economic and political problems here now. We hope that the County can continue to maintain these beautiful and beneficial areas.
Click on the thumbnails below for more views from the Slough.
