Visit the Gore Nature Center

GORE NATURE CENTER

Events and Programs

The Gore Nature Center is home to a series of events and educational programs, from native butterfly counts and pollinator garden workdays to photography workshops and class visits. We don’t currently have any programs or events scheduled but check back later this summer for updates or follow us on social media.

2nd Sundays at the Preserve

No reservations are required for visitors on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  The Center will be open from 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. for trail walks, exploration and family activities. We regularly invite local educators to share their knowledge about topics ranging from native plants and Collier County history to panthers, bears and our feathered friends. Admission and parking are free but donations are appreciated. 

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GORE NATURE CENTER

Directions

Take Collier Blvd. to Golden Gate Blvd. West (not Golden Gate Parkway as is found in Central Naples). Follow Golden Gate Blvd. West, heading eastbound for approximately 20 minutes (it will reduce to a two-lane street east of Everglades Blvd.). Continue across Everglades Blvd. (it will reduce to a one-lane road) until you reach a stop sign for Desoto Blvd. You will only be able to go left or right at this point as Golden Gate Blvd. West ends here. Turn right onto Desoto Blvd. S. and continue to 40th Ave. SE. Turn right onto 40th Ave. SE and follow until you see a rock-lined driveway on your right and the gate for Gore Nature Center.
ADDRESS:
4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples, FL 34117
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GORE NATURE CENTER

Preparing for Your Visit

  • Sturdy walking shoes are recommended on the trails. Walking sticks may be helpful if your gait is unsteady. Trails include naturally occurring terrain obstacles such as limestone capstone hollows and Cypress knees.
  • Long pants, long sleeves and hats will provide protection from insects and the sun.
  • Bring your mask, as it’s required inside the education center building (not on trails).
  • No food or glass bottles are allowed on the trails. Water in sports bottles is recommended.
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen are suggested.
  • Don’t forget your camera (or phone).
  • Only service animals are allowed on the trails with visitors.
Wooden Walkways at the Gore Nature Education Center | Cypress Cove Landkeepers

Nature Trails

The Gore Nature Center is a 10-acre “Old Florida” preserve in Naples’ Golden Gate Estates neighborhood. The property is adjacent to Conservation Collier’s 170-acre Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve. It includes natural terrain hiking trails winding through a mixed hardwood and cypress swamp forest near the Stumpy and Lucky Lake Strands. Visitors exploring this preserve will have a rare opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the sounds, sights and smells of a rapidly disappearing subtropical ecosystem.
Trail cameras throughout the property regularly capture images and videos of the panthers, racoons, black bears, skunks and other native species that both live on the property and pass through it on their way to larger swaths of habitat. Maintaining the land as a connecting corridor for the endangered Florida panther, and many other native species that have been negatively impacted by the development in the area, is one of the Center’s most important priorities.

Education Center

The Gore Nature Center building was once the home of environmentalist Dr. Robert H. Gore III. This Cracker-style building was fully renovated and now includes a nature-learning classroom, a demonstration kitchen and a gathering room for programs and meetings. This iconic house highlights architectural features such as the dog-trot hallway, elevated floors, a cupola, metal roof, porches surrounding the house and expansive windows that offer a birds-eye view of this unique property.
The Center’s original study, with walls of pecky cypress, is dedicated to honoring Dr. Gore’s legacy. This is where one will find copies of his published books and articles, photographs and creative musings. After a walk on the trails, a visitor can sit back and observe nature on one of the wrap-around porches, clad in board and batten cedar, or relax in front of the Center’s welcoming limestone fireplace.

Community Programs

The Gore Nature Center is the perfect setting for community events. We look forward to hosting a wide variety of programs designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. Our slate of offerings will be based on Senses in Nature, Habitat Awareness, Gardening, Reading & Writing in Nature and Stewardship, all designed to foster curiosity, creativity, empathy and teamwork. Click HERE for more information about our upcoming programs and events.  
Consider the Gore Nature Center for small corporate retreats. The kitchen facilities provide refrigeration, warm-up capabilities with a microwave and stove, media hook-ups, and classroom or board room configurations in either of our two general rooms. Contact us at contact@gorenaturecenter.com to discuss your event needs.

Together We Can Save Florida from Irreversible Damage

Southwest Florida’s unique natural treasures need to be protected against the irreversible environmental damage caused by overdevelopment. Stand with us as we work to save natural Florida.

DONATE

Your donation at any level helps us to acquire land for habitat restoration and conservation.

Donation Information

VOLUNTEER

We’re always looking for individuals who share our passion for saving Florida’s Habitats.

Volunteer Information

VISIT

The Gore Nature Center is now accepting weekend reservations.

Visitor Information

For special requests or larger group reservation options, please send an email to visit@gorenaturecenter.com. A member our our team will reach out to you to discuss.