Cotleur & Hearing’s transportation landscape architecture team, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is transforming a former truck parking lot along Alligator Alley (I-75 at Mile Marker 35) into a vibrant, immersive environmental destination: the Alligator Alley Environmental Education Center.
This $12 million project is designed to showcase the unique ecosystems of the Florida Everglades through a living, interactive landscape. At the heart of the site is a 3-acre pond exhibit surrounded by wetlands and an arboretum, featuring 13 aquatic species, 68 upland and transitional species, and over 31,000 total plants. The wetland system is engineered to emulate the natural sheet flow of the Everglades by drawing water from the adjacent ecosystem, creating a dynamic and authentic habitat.
Visitors will enjoy a range of engaging features, including:
- Elevated boardwalks that wind through the wetlands
- A 40-foot lookout tower offering panoramic views
- Gazebos, shade structures, and pavilions
- Educational signage highlighting native flora and fauna
- A 15-foot alligator sculpture perfect for photo ops
- A dog park and passive recreational areas for relaxation
Native limestone caprock boulders, air plants, and butterfly orchids further enhance the site’s ecological authenticity and visual appeal.
The project is being completed in two phases: hardscape construction is expected to finish in fall 2023, with landscaping to follow in fall 2024. Once complete, the Alligator Alley Environmental Education Center will serve as a must-visit destination for environmental groups, schools, travelers, and nature lovers, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience and learn about the Everglades ecosystem.
