Trail Use Guidelines

Following these guidelines will help take care of the CREW Trails, be prepared for visiting the trails, and will greatly increase the respect afforded to all who use the CREW Trails, as well as adjacent property owners.

The CREW Trails are owned and managed by the South Florida Water Management District, in cooperation with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission and the CREW Land & Water Trust.

• Accessibility: CREW’s Bird Rookery Swamp Trail has accessible parking, a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform and a crushed shell path leading to the 1500-foot long boardwalk, accessible for wheelchairs. Beyond the boardwalk (on the east end) the trail becomes grass/dirt with roots and can be underwater in summer and fall. The Cypress Dome and Marsh Trails are ground level of grass/sand and may be suitable for wheelchairs during the dry season, but may be difficult to push.
• ALL CREW trails can be seasonally wet – especially during late summer and fall. In some areas, water can be thigh high. Be prepared to get your feet wet.

• Be aware that there is some poison ivy along the edges of the trail, especially on the Popash trail at the CREW Marsh, and there are plenty of ticks. Ticks are common, especially when the grass is tall. Hikers need to be aware and vigilant about checking themselves.

• Snakes, some of which are venomous such as rattlesnakes (pygmy and diamondback) and water moccasins inhabit CREW. They are all protected by law and should be respected. Keep watch and maintain a safe distance when you encounter a snake along the trail. Closed -toed shoes are recommended for hiking.

• Alligators are common sightings in Florida wetlands, especially at Bird Rookery Swamp where they like to sun themselves up on the trail. It is illegal to harass, feed, or otherwise interact with an alligator. Give them plenty of space when walking or biking near them on the trail.

• Protect your dog, as well as wildlife! Use that leash!  CREW recreational use rules require dogs to be on leash and under control at all times. Dogs may disturb hiding fawns, ground-nesting birds, snakes, etc. CAUTION: The walking of dogs and pets at the Bird Rookery Swamp Trail is NOT recommended due to the presence of alligators.

• No littering, removing, or disturbing plant life or other natural or historic resources.

• No camping or building of fires allowed, except at designated campsites with a special use permit.

• Drone guidelines: The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) manages all special use permits for the CREW Lands as they are the land owners. To use a drone on the CREW lands you must first apply for a Right of Entry Permit (ROE). Keep in mind that without the proper permit, it is illegal to take off or land a drone within the SFWMD lands. These rules and regulations are enforced by SFWMD and FWC law enforcement. In addition, a certificate of liability insurance coverage is required by the SFWMD. Lastly, as a drone will be involved, they also need copies of any licenses you have associated with operating drones. 

• Stay on the trails. There are portable toilets at the trailheads/parking lots for each of the three CREW trails.

• At Caracara Prairie Preserve, be careful of cattle. Keep your distance.

• Leave any gates open or closed, just as you find them.

• Pack for safety.  Be prepared for your trail adventures!  Bring your own first aid kit and individualize it for personal health concerns such as allergies or prescriptions.

• Please pick up any litter that you see and pack it out.

• Pass the CREW Trust name on to others you meet on the Trail so our direct support base can grow.

• Always leave your itinerary with someone back home. Cell phones do not always work on parts of the trails, especially in the remote northern end of Bird Rookery Swamp. Texting may work when calling does not. The CREW Marsh, Cypress Dome and Bird Rookery Trails are all located in Collier County, where 911 texting is now available.

• ALWAYS BRING WATER. For longer hikes, bring a drink with electrolytes. 

• The CREW Trust does not allow smoking or pets on CREW-sponsored guided walks.

• Note: You use the CREW Trails at your own risk

• We always welcome feedback about the trails.

For complete SFWMD public use rules, click here.