FORT MYERS \u2014 It may seem intimidating, but members of Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve say tens of thousands of people have experienced Wet Walks through the waters of the slough safely for more than 50 years.<\/p>\n
Perhaps this is the year you experience it.<\/p>\n
The Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve recently announced the schedule for the 2026 Wet Walks.<\/p>\n
These hikes \u201callow visitors access to parts of the Slough that normally are off-limits and lets them experience the beautiful wetlands in new and surprising ways,\u201d it stated in a news release.<\/p>\n
There will be 14 regular wet walks along with and four \u201cthemed\u201d wet walks, it noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cLed by trained guides, these walks follow a restricted, water-filled, sinuous trail amid thick green ferns, towering bald cypress trees, and perhaps woodpeckers and owls,\u201d it stated. \u201cWater levels may reach chest high, depending on recent rainfall.\u201d<\/p>\n
It noted that, to participate, there is a minimum age of 12.<\/p>\n
It begins Aug. 15 and continues until Oct. 31.<\/p>\n
Those interested can begin registering on Eventbrite.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you\u2019re a nature enthusiast or are looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, wet walks are the perfect event, offering participants an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories,\u201d it noted.<\/p>\n
The news release noted some natural hazards, including submerged roots along with cypress knees. It stated people who have trouble walking or poor balance \u201care advised to skip taking part.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are areas where the water is about 4 feet deep to start.<\/p>\n
The Saturday morning walks take place from about 9-11:30 a.m. The schedule is:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Aug. 15<\/p>\n
\u2022 Aug. 22<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sept. 5<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sept. 12<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sept. 26<\/p>\n
\u2022 Oct. 3<\/p>\n
\u2022 Oct. 31<\/p>\n
Two Saturdays during the time period will include a second wet walk that will start at 10 a.m. and last until about 12:30 p.m. Those are set for Sept. 12 and Oct. 3.<\/p>\n
There are Saturday afternoon wet walks from 1 to about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 and Oct. 10<\/p>\n
While most wet walks are on Saturday, there are three on weekdays, including Thursday, Aug. 20; Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 14. Those wet walks take place from 9-11:30 a.m., approximately.<\/p>\n
And there are also four \u201cthemed\u201d wet walks set.<\/p>\n
One is the \u201cMindfulness Walk\u201d that lasts about three hours. It takes place from 9 a.m. to about noon Saturday, Aug. 29.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngage your senses as you wade through the Slough, noticing the sights, sounds, textures, and rhythms of the wetland in the present moment,\u201d the news release stated.<\/p>\n
Photography will not be allowed during it.<\/p>\n
Another is \u201cFrogs: The Voices of Wetlands\u201d that lasts about four hours. It takes place from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.<\/p>\n
It will be led by herpetologist Rick Bauer, the science supervisor for the South Florida Water Management District who is a former Slough supervisor.<\/p>\n
There is also \u201cMeditation Walk\u201d that lasts about three hours. It takes place from 9 a.m. to about noon on Saturday, Oct. 10. It will be led by Danielle Quina.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meditation wet walk is designed to offer a serene journey of rejuvenation in the Slough waters through a blend of mindfulness and nature,\u201d it stated. \u201cNo photography and minimal talking enhance the tranquility.\u201d<\/p>\n
For those wanting to capture the moments in many photographs, there is one specific walk designed for that.<\/p>\n
The \u201cPhotography Walk\u201d lasts about three hours. It takes place from 9 a.m. to about noon on Saturday, Oct. 17. It will be led by Sabine Vandenhende.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll stop in certain spots and give participants more time than on a regular walk to take pictures,\u201d it stated. \u201cAny items the participant brings, such as cameras and other equipment, is at their own risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cost for a regular wet walk is $25 for members of Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and $40 for non-members, it noted.<\/p>\n
For students age 12 and older, it is $25. Anyone 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.<\/p>\n
It noted the maximum number of people taking part in a regular wet walk is 12.<\/p>\n
Cost are slightly higher for the themed days: $25 for Friends members, $50 for non-members and $30 for students ages 12 and older. The maximum number of participants to take part in a themed walk is 10, the news release stated.<\/p>\n
It also noted that parking at the Slough property is $1 an hour or $5 for the entire day. A Lee County Parks and Recreation pass is valid at the site and must be bought through Premium Parking ahead of time, it stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a nonprofit citizens group that provides support for the Slough\u2019s staff and volunteers,\u201d it stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cSix Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center. Animals like otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the Slough year-round,\u201d it stated. \u201cOthers, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.<\/p>\n
To become a member of the Friends, for adults, it\u2019s $25 a year and for students, it\u2019s $10 a year<\/p>\n
For more information, visit:<\/p>\n