Exploring Nature on Sanibel Island!
SCCF – Bailey Preserve
In 2011, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation acquired a tract of land at 1300 Periwinkle Way known as the Bailey Homestead Preserve. It consists of 28 acres; however, only 9 acres will be accessible to the public. The remaining acres will be a permanent wildlife preserve. In the public use acreage, the emphasis is on education, preservation of the existing wildlife population, and appreciation of the many nature trails.
The Bailey Homestead Preserve contains a Conservation Gateway Kiosk, with information about the preserve and other Sanibel nature areas, a waterfowl and wading bird pond that includes an observation platform, a windmill (that has been restored from hurricane damage in 1944), a Pavilion that opened last fall, a Native Plant Nursery, walking trails, and the Bailey homestead, that includes the original core of the home built in 1896.
For half a century the land was worked as a farm, first as a row farm that grew plants such as tomatoes, squash, eggplant and other vegetables. After soil was damaged by a hurricane, it later became a citrus farm. The land was also home to several generations of the Bailey family. It is one of only ten homes on the City of Sanibel’s Register of Historic Landmarks.
In the Native Landscapes and Garden Center, Florida native plants can be purchased, and gardeners and visitors can tour demonstration gardens such as the wildflower garden and the edible garden. The Garden Center is open for the remainder of May from 8:30 until 5:00 pm. In June, summer hours begin, and it will be open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 until 3:00.
Walking tours of the Bailey Homestead Preserve will take place on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am, through the remainder of May and June. SCCF members are free, and the fee for non-members 17 and older is $5.00. For more information about the Bailey Homestead Preserve, call (239) 472-2329
Located on the east end of Sanibel Island, just one mile from the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, our vacation rental condo community is nestled beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium has been consistently ranked #1 and #2 in our category by TripAdvisor, also receiving their Certificate of Excellence three years in a row. Sandalfoot Beachfront Condominium. So much more than a room with a view!
