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Then and Now: Bonita Springs and the Imperial River
The Imperial River and its tributaries were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs until the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. The river was vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk through Riverside Park, Depot Park, and Island Park as we learn about the human and ecological history of Bonita Springs and the Imperial River. Dive into the ecology of the river, its connections to CREW, water quality issues, and human development along this short walk through historic downtown Bonita Springs with local historian, Charlie Strader.
Learn about the community’s main dock, Rosemary Creek and learn about the construction of historic homes built in the 1930’s Riverside subdivision. Learn about the river’s ecosystem, its importance to the past and present. Discussion topics include the river’s watershed and CREW lands, water quality issues, stormwater management, flooding, and human development. Highlights include: uses of native plants, local Native American settlements, pioneer life along the Imperial River and tributaries, and the beginnings of Bonita Springs. The goal is to make the presentation less a lecture or history lesson, and more a conversation with questions answered.
Start/End at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of around 2 hours. Meet at 10am at the Liles Hotel, 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Advance tickets required.
Charlie Strader is a local historian and anthropologist who previously served as the chairman of the City of Bonita Springs Historical Preservation Board, as well as the SWFL Archaeology Society, Bonita Springs Historical Society, and more. His interests include anthropology, travel, nature, and history. Also guiding the tour will be Aaron Thomas, an owner of GCT Kayaks in Riverside Park.
You may learn more about programs from CREW at www.crewtrust.org
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2202358-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2202358-2
