4000-Acre Forested Wetland Preserve and Education Center
Our Mission: Promote Wetland Science Education
To protect and sustain the Spanish Lake Basin’s forested wetland ecosystem, improve quality of life by promoting community involvement while advancing wetland science education to the public.
About Our Center
Spanish Lake Ecological Education Center (SLEEC) will be located on a tidally influenced forested wetland ecosystem and will provide nature-based learning experiences and community involvement for all ages. In 2016, SLEEC acquired status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Privately owned and publicly operated, SLEEC will offer access to historically significant cypress swamps and bayous located close to 100,000 residents and 11 primary and secondary schools.
The wetlands operate under a federally approved wetlands restoration and preservation plan, supported by a perpetual conservation easement preventing development activities.
Regional Location
Embark on Journeys of Discovery
SLEEC will offer a wide range of outdoor ecological experiences. With journeys as varied as alligator spotting, assisting in establishing cameras that view bird rookeries on-line, trekking through the many hiking trails, or kayaking deep into the cypress swamp during high-water events, throughout the 4,000-acre preserve and Spanish Lake itself. Each adventure will be coordinated or assisted by a qualified staff member. We hope to encourage the community to make SLEEC part of their life, not just a single visit.