The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for 360 other animal species including rattlesnakes. The gopher tortoise is known for its digging ability. Gopher tortoises spend most of their time in long burrows, up to 14.5 meters (48 ft) in length and 3 meters (9.8 ft) deep. In these burrows, the tortoises are protected from summer heat, winter cold, fire, and predators. Gophers are threatened by habitat destruction
This series of caches is located in the Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve. Follow the red/yellow trail. During the rainy season, parts of this trail are under water. Plan on getting your feet wet and muddy! During the dry season, you will encounter sugar sand.
The hike for the series is approximately 5 miles total. Bring water and bug spray. Parking may be found at N 26 26.520 W 081 50.170.
Please remain on marked trails. All caches are placed near the trails. You are looking for a lock ‘n lock container. Please leave the stamp and the stamp pad in the cache.
This cache has been placed with permission from the Estero Bay Preserve State Park Manager.