Lake Trafford: Ecology and Excursions

This exhibit will explore the history, ecology, and cultural impact of one of Southwest Florida’s most iconic lakes. From remnants of long boats left behind by the Calusa, to the personal stories of current Immokalee residents, we will dive into Lake Trafford and look ahead to its future. Long hailed for its largemouth bass fishing, this 1500 acre water body is the largest natural lake south of Okeechobee, and serves as a premier fishing lake for anglers and an important freshwater resource for the area. There have been changes to the ecosystem in the last fifty years — from fish deaths and aquatic plant die offs, to the introduction of invasive species — but the lake and its importance to our history and town culture remain. Join us to learn about Lake Trafford and its various changes and impacts on our community and Southwest Florida as a whole.