A different journey: Hiking during wet conditions By SCCF - | Jan 20, 2021 SCCF Otter SCCF Erick Lindblad Preserve The winter months invite increased visitation to the island and more frequent use of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s hiking trails. In recent years the trails, such as the Erick Lindblad Preserve trails, were either dry or drying out by January. However, as a result of the active wet season, most of them are currently impassable without waterproof boots and expectations of getting muddy. “Many people aren’t aware that hiking through shallow puddles or muddy trails during non-dry times can be quite enjoyable with the proper footwear and clothing,” SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said. “Not only is it less crowded, but there are often different and increased opportunities to see wildlife, especially species that you may not see otherwise, such as river otters, freshwater fish, frogs and aquatic reptiles.”