Our VISION
An enhanced quality of life through an improved park and trail system in Southwest Florida.
Our MISSION
Southern Trails Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit with a focus on public safety and inclusion. We support developing public space and connecting communities of Southwest Florida to create economic, social, and recreational opportunities for present and future generations.
Our INITIATIVES
Advocacy
Improve Quality of Life and Protect the Environment
Create a public space where everyone can be safe to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Provide a non-car transportation alternative to reduce emissions, noise, and congestion. A multi-use pathway won’t take away from the need for cars, but it will offer a portion of the population a better land-use option.
Source: www.activescore.com
Development & Economic Growth
Support the development of new parks and trails in a region that is in need of additional green space.
37% of Fort Myers residents live within a 10-minute walk from a park.
National Average 55%
-Parkscore, Trust for Public Land
Parks per 1000 people:
National Average 10.4 acres
Fort Myers has 2.1 acres
Develop an Economic Corridor
Bicycle and pedestrian consumers spend more time and money, at a higher frequency, than car-based consumers. With a land-use plan incorporated into the overall trail planning, there is a real opportunity for economic growth for the communities and businesses along the corridor by connecting the Florida State Sun Trail network to the John Yarborough Linear Trail and downtown Ft. Myers.
Connectivity
Sun Trail Regional Greenway
Southern Trails Foundation will assist in the ongoing efforts to create a continuous bike and pedestrian route from Naples to Sarasota.
This dedicated greenway will:
- Reduce Biker and Pedestrian casualties by vehicles.
- Increase Park acreage and protect the environment.
- Enhance economic potential and property values.
- Improve Physical and Mental Health in the Region.
- Help Inclusion by connecting communities.
Caloosahatchee Riverwalk
Improvement and expansion of the downtown Fort Myers riverwalk to work as part of the local connectivity system.
Caloosa Riverwalk Downtown @ Hendry St.
Hendry Pedestrian St.
Planning, Design Implementation, Maintenance, and Management of the Urban Center Placemaking and Wayfinding Project will connect Downtown Fort Myers to the Sun Trail System.
Hendry Pedestrian St. @ Union St.
John Yarbrough Linear Trail
Enhance the user experience on the Linear Trail while providing support for new segments connecting to Downtown Fort Myers and the Bonita Estero Rail Trail.
John Yarbrough Linear Trail @ Daniels
Bonita Estero Rail Trail
Support efforts to create a multi-use trail from unutilized Seminole Gulf Railroad Right-of-way in Southern Lee County.
Railroad R.O.W @ Bonita Estero Rail Trail
Photo Credit: Samantha Roesler
Friends of theEstero Rail Trail
Friends of BERT
2021/2022 Lee County Bicycle and Pedestrian deaths: over 1200 crashes resulting in 71 fatalities and 100s of permanent injuries.
Dedicated car-free routes will reduce traffic fatalities.
