Preserving God’s creation at Lovers Key State Park

Bonita Springs, Florida- Lovers Key in Southwest Florida got its name for being a popular destination for a romantic get-away. Couples traveled here for the serene solitude of the untouched islands. Before the state-built roads came in 1965, the islands were only accessible by boat. Since 1983, the state park has offered amenities such as beaches, boat ramps, kayak, and canoe launches, walking trails, showering, and restroom stations, concessions, and picnic pavilions.  

Southwest Florida locals have spent decades preserving the natural beauty of Lovers Key State Park. Real Estate developers once had plans to urbanize the islands. Natural ecosystems were bulldozed, and dredges made for residentials canals, but protesters and conservationists put a stop to those building projects long ago. The barrier islands between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach are now a protected area for wildlife and dedicated to preservation for public enjoyment.

More recent threats to Lovers Key land and wildlife include the BP oil spill of 2010, Hurricanes; Charley (2004), Wilma (2005), Irma (2017), and of course last year’s Hurricane Ian. The state park was forced to close for 9 months after Ian devastated the entire southwest Florida region. Lovers Key was hit particularly hard by the category 5 storm, but with lots of restoration, rebuilding, and hard work, staff and volunteers at the park have made it safe for visitors and wildlife once again.

There is an annual cleanup effort that happens in the Fall on the islands. One which didn’t take place last year because of Hurricane Ian in September. Volunteers also missed out during the previous years due to the pandemic. Locals were excited to finally participate in this year’s 19^th annual coastal cleanup event on Lovers Key. If God created the Earth and we are to subdue it like the Bible says in Genesis 1:28, then humanity is doing its part at Lovers Key State Park.