Numerous community members and Lee County officials came out to support the dedication of the Prairie Pines Preserve, the latest 20/20 Conservation project.

The second most prominent 20/20 conservation project in Lee County opened Aug. 10 with an unusual announcement – besides over 20 miles of trails for horses, local llama owners are invited to use the site to walk their pets.

“This proves why North Fort Myers is a unique area,” said Lee County Commissioner and area NFM resident Tammy Hall.

That remark about llamas was made by Barbara Manzo, acting director of Lee County Parks & Recreation. “We probably won’t have many takers on the llamas, but we do offer that here.”

Besides the 20-mile acre plus open to local horseback riders, there is provision for llama owners to walk their pets there. There is also double-long parking spaces for riding enthusiasts to bring their horse trailers.

The statement about llamas brought laughs and cheers from the the local citizens who attend the event, knowing the area is a special place in hard economic times.

Gayle Schmidt of the Lee County Bird Patrol brought the point home. “We use wild spaces to push the re-set button,” she said. “We can learn life lessons without a Blackberry. It’s free and better therapy than the couch.”

Numerous community individuals, civic leaders and officials braved the August heat to come to the dedication on Prairie Pines. Commissioner Hall was the official emcee, with BOCC chair Ray Judah and others making memorable speeches.

Speakers included Jo Harder from the Caloosa Saddle Club, who sat being the stage on horseback and made her welcome speech there, atop her horse, Chica.

Prairie Pines Preserve is located at 18400 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers, across the street and south of Del Tura Country Club. The entrance and parking area will be off of Route 41.

The preserve also fosters numerous endangered species, according to

Kathy Olson, Conservation 20/20 Senior Supervisor.

The preserve cost the county a little over $11,790,000. It was acquired on April 27, 2001 as part of the 20/20 Conservation project.

All of Lee County’s Conservation 20/20 preserves are open to the public with recreation opportunities for hiking, bird watching, nature photography and nature study. Several preserves offer advanced recreation opportunities including fishing, kayaking/canoeing and horseback riding.

To learn more, go to conservation2020.org and then click on preserves.