WELCOME TO THE HOLTON ECO-PRESERVE
The Holton Eco-Preserve is a welcoming greenspace experience…
- an "environmental park" providing refuge from urban sprawl
- dedicated to providing a living laboratory for exploration and hands on experiences
- a place where the whole family can learn how to love nature, live lightly on the earth, and grow organic produce throughout the year
- where the community can come together to enjoy learning about preserving our natural SWFL habitat
"Our mission is to help people to steward our earth through classes and events which promote sustainable lifestyles and enhance the native habitat of our community."
Announcing Young Gardeners SeriesFeb 9, 2018 |
Stop by the Holton Eco-Preserve
13411 Shire Lane, 33912, off Daniels across from the Fire Station. |
Our Mission is…
“To teach people to steward our earth through classes and events, which promote environmentally sustainable lifestyles, and enhance the nature of our community.”
Who Are We?
The Holton Eco-Preserve (HEP) is a community-service project of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, Florida. Through the vision of the church, and the generosity of Paul Holton, founder of Holton Foods, Chicago, Illinois, the preserve became a reality. In April 2003, the Holton Eco-Preserve was named, and dedicated to honor Mr. Holton. Until his death in 2006, Paul Holton shared his enthusiasm and remained committed to advancing our goals to provide a native, Southwest Florida habitat that helps children and their families love nature, and live lightly on the earth. In 2006, the congregation of Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers committed to be a Green Sanctuary.
HEP Happenings
Through the ten years since obtaining the Green Sanctuary status, we have continued to work toward our mission and ultimate goal(s). In the last two years, truly exciting things have been happening on the Holton Eco-Preserve… AND IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!!
Bill Brewer Family Gardens
Beginning with a dream in the winter of 2015, an idea became a reality with the completion and dedication of the Bill Brewer Family Gardens in September 2016. The 100 raised bed community garden, shaped as a medicine wheel, offers an organic gardening experience for the residents living on the Daniels Corridor and beyond.
Restoration of Natural Habitats
Continued removal of invasive plant species on the preserve has occurred since becoming a Green Sanctuary. To facilitate the development of our natural habitats, we have completed several plantings of native plants, with the last major planting completed this spring. The planting completed this spring is linear in nature and runs along Shetland Lane. It is already providing shelter and food for birds, butterflies and other small animals. Many more planting will continue in the future.
HEP Plant Nursery
To promote development of future habitats and to offer support to the Bill Brewer Family Gardens, the expansion of the HEP nursery has occurred. We now have a misting sprinkler system and shade cloth set up to keep our seedlings healthy. Our ultimate goal is to continue to grow native and butterfly loving plants from seed, take cutting from our native plants to propagate plants to grow and/or sell, and to provide a learning laboratory for those interested in organic gardening.
Walking Trails
Around our pond, we have a beautiful walking path that includes two areas to stop, sit and reflect on the beauty that surrounds you. The area we call the “North Woods” extends your walk around the pond, but is seasonally wet. Remember to bring your waterproof boots if you want to visit this wooded habitat in the summer and fall! HEP plans for the future include expansion of our walking trails, with informational signs and/or trail ……….
Wildlife
As part of our goal to establish habitats and bring wildlife back to HEP, the donation and installation of two bluebird boxes occurred the spring of 2016. Within the month, we had a pair of nesting bluebirds! You may see wading birds, or hawks, or our more common birds like blue jays and mockingbirds while visiting HEP. We have planted many areas on the grounds for butterflies to use for nectar and/or to lay their eggs. It would be unusual if you did not see one or more of our SW FL butterflies fluttering about! Although we have the “usual” wildlife – like squirrels - that we all see on a daily basis, you might just be lucky enough to see the otters that come to visit to pond occasionally!
Environmental Education and Awareness
We currently have three monthly classes geared toward organic gardening, herbs, edibles and the use of seasonal vegetables in your kitchen. A plant swap and/or clinic is scheduled once a month for those who like to share and learn hands on. Three annual events/festivals (late winter, early summer and early fall) will feature speakers relevant to the event topic, food and refreshments, raffles and giveaways, a variety of vendors, and a children’s activity area.
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
BECOME A MEMBER AND HELP US TO MAKE THE HOLTON ECO-PRESERE THE
PREMIER GREEN SPACE ON THE DANIEL CORRIDOR!
Coming from the West on Daniels Parkway: Heading East proceed approximately 1.3 miles after the intersection of Six Mile Cypress and Daniels Parkway. Move into the left lane at the blinking yellow light in order to make a U-turn at the parkway cut-through. Shire Lane is the first street on your right after you begin heading West again on Daniels. Our church campus, a complex of white buildings, is visible from Daniels. It sits back one block and is clearly visible.
Coming from the East on Daniels Parkway: If you are driving from I-75, take Exit 131 and proceed West 1.5 miles on Daniels Parkway to Shire Lane. A small blue highway sign with our name appears on the right immediately preceding where you need to turn.
Unitarian Univeralist Church of Fort Myers
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912
239-561-2700
Come visit • Volunteer • Donate
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Use Google Maps below to get driving directions to our location.
Planned editions to our current programming, green space, and
environmental learning laboratory
Children’s Programming (organic gardening, earth and water stewardship, living lightly on the earth)
- Summer camps – age appropriate environmental education
- Homeschool programming
- Children’s Playground and Learning Center
Expand Adult Education (to promote land and water stewardship)
- Continue to provide classes on edible landscaping, organic gardening, and taking veggies from “garden to kitchen”
- Three event/festivals sponsored each year
- “Green Living” Workshops
- Florida Yard and Neighborhood™ classes (geared toward HOAs and homeowners)
- Rain Barrel workshops
Demonstration Gardens
- Fragrance Garden
- Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden
- Sensory Garden
- Ethnobotany garden
- Florida Friendly Landscaping™
- Food forest – edible landscaping
Habitat Restoration and Educational Guided Tours
- Install native plants in appropriate habitats throughout HEP
- Removal of invasive plant species throughout HEP
- Completion of walking trails throughout HEP property
- Establish guided tours of HEP habitats
- Install informational signs describing habitats, wildlife, and walking trails
Expansion of HEP Plant Nursery
- Double usable plant nursery space
- Install timed micro-sprinkler system
- Plant markers for identification
- Hands on programs for homeowners (ex. propagation, pruning techniques, plant identification)
Peg Eisenberg, HEP Director
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912
UUCFM Office: (239) 561-2700
Cell #: (239) 826-0475
Adrienne Diaz
Owner, 
Miss Potters Place
HEP, Organic Garden Coordinator/Educator
(239) 464-5754
http://misspottersplace.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MissPottersPlace/
Bill Petrarca, Coordinator
Bill Brewer Family Gardens
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