Friends of Bonita Estero Rail Trail Mission

We are an all-volunteer citizen group, dedicated to bringing the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) to Lee County communities. Our mission is to generate public support and to advocate for the proposed 14.9 mile Rail Trail project. With our support, Lee County, Estero and Bonita Springs can acquire the land that the existing rail line is located and build a multi-use trail where community members and visitors can safely recreate and enjoy open green space, in a park-like setting. In addition, we are advocating for BERT to be connected to other trails such as the John Yarborough Trail to the north and the Paradise Coast Trail to the South. It is Friends of BERT greater mission to advocate for BERT to become part of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail that would run the entire length of Lee County, a strategy we refer to as ConnectLee.