Natural Areas Guide

SARASOTA COUNTY Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Natural Areas Guide

Get o the beaten path

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources More outdoor opportunities

Discover nature at some of our beach parks… • Caspersen Beach Park • Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

Get o the Beaten Path Spot wildlife along these multi-use trails… The goal of this guide is to help you discover a variety of • The Legacy Trail ways to experience our community’s natural areas, learn about our amazing environment and wildlife, and enjoy • Venetian Waterway Park being active, outdoors. Sarasota County’s vision is to be the premier community Explore more gateways to the Myakka Wild and where people choose to live, work and play. Our network Scenic River… of natural areas is extensive and contributes to this goal by providing many special places to get outside, escape • Snook Haven Park and Riverfront Restaurant everyday stresses, and enjoy all that these areas have to o er. • Venice Myakka River Park The Natural Areas Guide highlights 23 sites that feature exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities. For Go to scgov.net/parks for more details on these information on more of Sarasota County’s parks, natural and other locations. areas and trails visit scgov.net/parks. Get out there, share your experiences with others and enjoy! Together we can Enjoy thousands of acres of nearby state lands… ensure that our community’s investments in these lands are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and YOU can • Myakka River State Park help others get o the beaten path and discover Sarasota’s oridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River natural areas. • Myakka State Forest freshfrom orida.com • Oscar Scherer State Park oridastateparks.org/park/Oscar-Scherer Table of Contents

Important Information ...... 2 How to use this Guide ...... 3 What Kind of “Wild” Are You? ...... 4 Sarasota County Wildlife ...... 8 Notable Species ...... Sarasota County Park Locator Map ...... 10 At-a-glance Guide ...... 11

1 Ainger Creek Trails...... 12 2 Carlton Reserve ...... 14 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility ...... 16 4 Circus Hammock ...... 18 5 Curry Creek Preserve ...... 20 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve...... 22

7 Jelks Preserve ...... 24 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center ...... 26 9 Manasota Scrub Preserve ...... 28

10 Myakka Islands Point ...... 30 11 Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park ...... 32 12 Old Miakka Preserve ...... 34 13 Pinelands Reserve ...... 36 14 Pocono Trail Preserve ...... 38 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve ...... 40

16 Rothenbach Park ...... 42 17 Scherer Thaxton Preserve ...... 44

18 Shamrock Park and Nature Center ...... 46 19 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North ...... 48 20 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South ...... 50

21 South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve ...... 52 22 Urfer Family Park ...... 54 23 Walton Ranch ...... 56 Heritage Stewardship ...... 58 Be a Steward ...... 59 More Outside Opportunities ...... 60 Get Outside and Get Involved ...... Inside back cover

1 Important Information How to use this Guide

Sarasota County has thousands of acres of natural areas to explore. Many of those This guide is organized alphabetically For more information about included in this guide are wild, primitive and full of surprises. Please follow these for ease of navigation. Each page has Sarasota County’s natural areas, parks guidelines to remain safe. a brief site summary that includes and trails: addresses, hours, acreage, GPS • scgov.net (keyword parks) • Have a plan! Let others know where you will be and when you plan to return. coordinates, informative facts and a • Sarasota County Contact Center Some natural area locations are remote and may have limited cellular or trail map. GPS service. 941-861-5000 We hope you will enjoy the beautiful • Before leaving home, con rm park hours • “Discover Natural Sarasota” online at natural areas of Sarasota County for discovernaturalsarasota.org online at scgov.net/parks. years to come. To help you make the • Take your time and stay on the trails. most of your time, we have provided Visit Sarasota County Government on YouTube for virtual tours and • Water, sunscreen, a rain jacket, insect a “What kind of wild are you?” section that highlights speci c opportunities. information on some natural areas at: repellent and sturdy shoes are youtube.com/user/sarasotacounty. recommended for hiking. “More outdoor opportunities” lets you discover more of what Sarasota • Be aware of and respect the County has to o er. Please keep this surroundings and wildlife. For your guide for future visits or share with protection and that of the wildlife keep a safe distance from wild animals friends or family. as they may behave aggressively if provoked or frightened. • Be considerate of other visitors. AMENITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS LEGEND • Read and respect posted notices of land management activities, which may restrict access to certain areas. Prescribed burning, exotic or non-native plant Access Point - Pedestrian Indoor Rental removal and other habitat restoration may be occurring during your visit. Accessibility Interpretive Signage Bicycling Main Entrance PACK IN / PACK OUT TRAIL COURTESY Birding Nature Center YIELD “Leave no trace” refers A commonly used trail Boardwalk Parking to a set of outdoor sharing sign. ethics promoting • Bikers yield to hikers Camping Picnic Shelter/Pavilion conservation. and horses Canoe/Kayak Launch Playground • Hikers yield to horses Dog-friendly (leash required) Restrooms Enjoy the lands that have been preserved for this and future generations! Drinking Water Seasonal Flooding Fishing Trails - Equestrian In case of emergency, call 911. Fitness Equipment-outdoor Trails - Paved Grill Trails - Unpaved Historical/Cultural Resource Wildlife Viewing PROHIBITIONS MAP LEGEND To ensure public safety and environmental protection, the following activities Featured Park Natural Area Other Park are not allowed: Boardwalk Trail • Removal of plants, animals or • Open res Dog-friendly designated area Trail - Equestrian archaeological or cultural resources • Pets, except in areas/sites • O -road vehicles designated for leashed dogs Road/Street Water 191 I-75 Exit Wetland/Swamp

2 3 What Kind of Wild Are You?

NATURE SEEKERS hope to catch FAMILY TRAILBLAZERS are WILDLANDS ENTHUSIASTS can HERITAGE HOUNDS can explore a glimpse of creatures (regardless of adventurers who discover the wonders hear the call of the wild challenging the community’s rich and unique whether they walk, crawl, swim or of nature and create memories that them to experience wilderness at its history through its cattle ranches, y), that call our wild places home, or will last for decades. Family-friendly nest. Expect the unexpected with settler homesteads and turpentine discover native plants that you have areas await with paved and unpaved hundreds of miles of primitive hiking. camps. Keep an eye peeled for historic never seen before, like the elusive pine easy trails, playgrounds, pavilions and Sarasota County’s rugged back country buildings, lone cattle corrals, signs lily. You can explore lands prized for their tables for picnics. o ers a true challenge for hikers. of Native American settlements vast diversity. A surprise awaits you! BEST OPPORTUNITIES BEST OPPORTUNITIES and more. BEST OPPORTUNITIES LOCATOR MAP # LOCATOR MAP # BEST OPPORTUNITIES LOCATOR MAP # 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility 2 Carlton Reserve LOCATOR MAP # 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 2 Carlton Reserve 5 Curry Creek Preserve 11 Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 7 Jelks Preserve 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve 14 Pocono Trail Preserve 9 Manasota Scrub Preserve 16 Rothenbach Park 22 Urfer Family Park 10 Myakka Islands Point 22 Urfer Family Park WEEKEND WARRIORS scout the 23 Walton Ranch 12 Old Miakka Preserve perfect picnic spot or leisurely stroll 17 Scherer Thaxton Preserve to find their next great conquest. 19 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North Create a perfect weekend with short 20 South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve hikes, kayaking, fishing or bird watching. BEST OPPORTUNITIES LOCATOR MAP # 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility 5 Curry Creek Preserve 7 Jelks Preserve 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 11 Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park 12 Old Miakka Preserve 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve 19 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North 21 South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve

4 5 TRAIL TROTTERS can choose from miles of equestrian experiences, with user- friendly features like designated horse trailer parking. Please remember, state law requires all riders to carry proof of current negative Coggins results. BEST OPPORTUNITIES LOCATOR MAP # 1 Ainger Creek Trails 2 Carlton Reserve SIDEWALK ADVENTURERS need BEST OPPORTUNITIES SHADE SEEKERS are the ones 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve rmer ground beneath them. Paved LOCATOR MAP # combing the area for the perfect 23 Walton Ranch trails and accessible amenities allow 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility shady walk or picnic spot. There are Sidewalk Adventurers to enjoy the 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center many areas to choose to delight your beauty of our community’s natural 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve “stay cool” desires. areas. Try these sites if you seek a short 16 Rothenbach Park walk on easy, even pavement or to be BEST OPPORTUNITIES able to experience scenery without a 18 Shamrock Park and Nature Center LOCATOR MAP # lot of sweat equity. 22 Urfer Family Park 4 Circus Hammock 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 10 Myakka Islands Point 14 Pocono Trail Preserve WATER WAYFARERS whet their 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve appetites with opportunities for 16 Rothenbach Park boating, paddling and shing. 19 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North We have it all from blackwater rivers 20 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South to gentle, quiet creeks, lakes, and adventures that take you all the BIKING BUFFS prefer pedals and way to the bay and Gulf waters. spokes to hiking boots. Sarasota County o ers Biking Bu s a variety BEST OPPORTUNITIES of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors by bicycle. Regardless of LOCATOR MAP # your level of experience, you’ll 2 Carlton Reserve nd places that delight both the 5 Curry Creek Preserve experienced rough trail bike rider 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and occasional cyclist. 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve BEST OPPORTUNITIES LOCATOR MAP # 2 Carlton Reserve Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 13 Pinelands Reserve 16 Rothenbach Park 18 Shamrock Park and Nature Center 22 Urfer Family Park 23 Walton Ranch

6 7 Sarasota County Wildlife Notable Species

Sarasota County provides critical habitat for many imperiled native species. Yellow rat snake Protection and management of natural areas ensures these habitats will support Southeastern ve-lined skink future generations of wildlife as well as people. Red rat snake Peninsula cooter Species you might encounter in Sarasota’s natural areas: il es Southern toad ep t

R Gopher tortoise FLORIDA SCRUB JAYS Green anole Sarasota County features diverse natural Black racer communities, such as native oak scrub with sandy, American alligator dry soil. These areas provide critical habitat for White-tailed deer Coyote the endangered Florida scrub-jay, the state’s only

Mammals Bobcat endemic bird. Wood stork • • • • • • • • • • • • • White ibis • BALD EAGLES Swallow-tailed kite State and federally protected bald eagles are Sandhill crane Red-shouldered hawk

found throughout the state year-round with • • Red-bellied woodpecker • nesting season occurring from Oct. 1 - May 15. Pileated woodpecker Osprey

Birds Limpkin Grey catbird Great egret WEST INDIAN MANATEES Florida scrub-jay The warm waters of Sarasota County’s bays, Carolina wren

rivers and creeks provide protected sites for the Brown thrasher • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • endangered West Indian manatee. Barred owl •

Bald eagle • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GOPHER TORTOISES

Gopher tortoises can be found throughout much

of Florida. Considered to be a keystone species,

their burrows provide refuge for more that 350

other animal species, including several

imperiled species.

FLORIDA BOBCATS PARKS Sleeping Turtles Preserve North Preserve Turtles Sleeping Rothenbach Park Thaxton Scherer Preserve Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility Facility Stormwater Regional Celery Fields Ainger Creek Trails Ainger Trails Creek Reserve Carlton Hammock Circus Preserve Curry Creek Preserve Creek Deer Prairie Jelks Preserve Manasota Scrub Preserve Lemon Bay Park Bay Lemon Sleeping Turtles Preserve South Preserve Turtles Sleeping Preserve Bay Lemon Venice South Park Urfer Family Ranch Walton Myakka Islands Point Old Miakka Preserve Reserve Pinelands Preserve Trail Pocono Red Preserve Bug Slough Park Shamrock Bobcats are about twice the size of house cats, Park Environmental Myakkahatchee Creek and are the most common wild feline in Florida. Page 52 54 56 58 50 32 34 36 38 40 42 48 44 46 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 Home territory is one-to- ve square miles, and as Locator Map # 20 21 22 23

development increases, bobcats are becoming more comfortable in urban areas. These beautiful cats are quite stealthy, and are more common than people realize.

8 9 Locator Map At-a-glance

Match the map reference numbers on the locator map to the At-a-glance Activity Guide on page 11.

3 FRUITVILLE ROAD 12 (Outdoor) (leash required) (leash 22 16 15 itness Equipment itness ¤£41 F Page number Page Accessibility Bicycling Birding Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk Camping-Primitive Canoe/Kayak Launch Dog-friendly Drinking Water Fishing Grills Resource Historical/Cultural Interpretive Signage Center Nature Shelter/Pavilion Picnic Playground Restrooms Trails-Equestrian Trails-Paved Trails-Unpaved Park number Park 17 13 STATE ROAD 72 12 • •• •• ¨¦§75 2 14 •••••• • ••••• •• • 23 16 • •• •• ••• • • 14 5 19 11 20 18 •• • ¨¦§75 7 6 20 • •• • • • 18 ¤£41 22 ••• •• • • • • • • 21 9 24 • •• • • 10 26 • •• •••• • ••• • •• 8 28 •• • • 1 30 • • 02468101 32 •••• •• • • •• • Miles µ 34 • •• • 36 •• • • •• 38 •• •• •

40 1 Ainger Creek Trails 13 Pinelands Reserve ••• • • • ••• • 2 Carlton Reserve 14 Pocono Trail Preserve 16 42 •••• • •• • ••• • 3 Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility 15 Red Bug Slough Preserve 44 •• •• • • • 4 Circus Hammock 16 Rothenbach Park 18 46 ••• •• •••• •• 5 Curry Creek Preserve 17 Scherer Thaxton Preserve 6 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 18 Shamrock Park and Nature Center 48 • •• •• •• Jelks Preserve 19 Sleeping Turtles Preserve North 50 • • • • 8 Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center 20 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South 52 •• •• • 9 Manasota Scrub Preserve 21 South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve 54 •••• •• •••••••• •• 10 Myakka Islands Point 22 Urfer Family Park 11 Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park 23 Walton Ranch 56 •• • •• 12 Old Miakka Preserve

10 11 29490 Winchester Blvd. 1 AINGER CREEK TRAILS Englewood, 34223 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 148 acres GPS Coordinates N 26.96183 W -82.30400 N 26.95375 W -82.320438 AINGER CREEK TRAILS (NORTH)

WINCHESTER BOULEVARD

q" ABOUT THE PROPERTY • A natural area where visitors The shared-use trails are popular with can enjoy an “old-Florida” equestrians, o -road bicyclists and nature experience. hikers seeking nature and solitude. • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on Please practice trail courtesy when a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. using the trails. Motorized vehicles MYAKKA STATE are prohibited. AMENITIES FOREST • Interpretive signage w" GETTING THERE • Shared use trails - unpaved I-75 Exit 191 to North River Road. Head south on North River Road for NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS AINGER CREEK MYAKKA approximately 13 miles to Winchester Lemon Bay Park and Environmental TRAILS (SOUTH) STATE " FOREST Boulevard. Parking will be on the west Center and Manasota Scrub Preserve. q side of Winchester Boulevard. WHAT TO EXPECT q" While exploring the preserve’s network of trails, visitors may observe various natural habitats including the tidal creek, slash and longleaf ENGLEWOOD pine atwoods, mesic and hydric DID YOU WATER DISTRICT hammocks, seasonal wetlands, KNOW? marshes, mangrove tidal swamp and tidal strands. One might hear barred Although owls or see osprey ying above, observe ddler crabs, jumping mullet this preserve and a wide array of wild owers such is divided CHARLOTTE COUNTY as swamp sun ower (pictured above) in two by the Myakka State in the fall, rosinweed, wild petunia, blazing star and beautyberry. Forest, it is connected by the creek. Can you trace the creek on the map HIGHLIGHTS • Activities: hiking, biking, birding, from North to South? What might you 0 500 1,000 2,000 equestrian use, wildlife viewing. see in the creek when you hike? Feet µ • More than four miles of primitive trails.

12 13 1800 Mabry Carlton BIG SLOUGH PRESERVE 2 CARLTON RESERVE Parkway, Venice, 34292 EXIT IL A 182 Hours R T IL q" E RA 6 a.m. - Sunset IN TIGER M T L AR S H R Size E W 24,565 acres O NP GPS Coordinates §¨¦§7575 N 27.122836 ¦¨ W -82.342744

VENICE - ARCADIA GRADE

ABOUT THE PROPERTY AMENITIES q" The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial • Accessible (partially) Reserve (Carlton Reserve) was • Bicycle trails - technical - 15 miles acquired in 1984. It is a multifaceted • Horse trailer access property where protection of wetland- • Picnic pavilion - reservable speckled expanses of pine atwood • Picnic tables and grills POWERLINES TRAIL and dry prairies provide natural area • Primitive camping (permit required) w" conservation, unique wilderness • Restrooms recreation opportunities, cultural • Self-guided interpretive trails heritage preservation and public • Trails - equestrian water supply safety. • Trails - unpaved • Visitor center / historic cabin MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK

D GETTING THERE A MAB O RY

R C

I-75 Exit 193-Jacaranda Boulevard. Go NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS D LT

L O

E N

I PAR

F KWA

L Y north on Jacaranda Boulevard for 0.9 Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, Sleeping L E

miles. Right on Border Road, go 2.6 Turtles Preserve North. W miles. Left on Mabry Carlton Parkway, go 0.3 miles. Follow signs to public park area on right. DID YOU

WHAT TO EXPECT BEAR HAMMOCK TRAIL WATER KNOW? IL PLANT A true wilderness excursion with unique TRA ADE STOCK getting back to nature experiences. The site was Wildlife viewing may include: white- tailed deer, turkey, bobcat, swallow- named for RIVER TRAIL tailed kite, various wading birds. You T. Mabry Carlton, Jr., may also see plants, such as pine lily, a former tar ower and blue ag iris. ¨¦§¨¦§7575 Sarasota County HIGHLIGHTS • Activities: biking, birding, hiking, commissioner and LAUREL ROAD LAUREL primitive camping and paddling. fth generation Florida cattle man ROAD BORDER EXIT • 100+ miles of trails/horseback riding. who was instrumental in the reserve’s 193 • 12-mile Myakka Island Wilderness acquisition. The reserve remains a PINELANDS RESERVE Trail continues north to Myakka River 0 0.5 1 2 State Park. hallmark of Sarasota’s legacy Miles • Contact 941-861-7275 for camping/ of stewardship. µ pavilion reservations.

14 15 6799 Palmer Blvd. 3 CELERY FIELDS REGIONAL Sarasota, 34240 Hours STORMWATER FACILITY 6 a.m. - Sunset EXIT Size 210 FRUITVILLE ROAD FRUITVILLE 400 acres LIBRARY GPS Coordinates N 27.325275 W -82.433664

¦¨§¨¦§7575

ACKERMAN PARK

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Seven miles of trails. The Celery Fields Regional Stormwater • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on Facility is an important regional a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. stormwater facility, handling runo from 3,500 acres of the upper Phillippi AMENITIES Creek Basin. Historically farmed as • Accessible (partially) celery elds, the existing wetlands • Boardwalks were created to improve water quality • Interpretive signage and provide important wildlife habitat. • Picnic tables PALMER BOULEVARD " • Restrooms q w" GETTING THERE • Trails - unpaved I-75 Exit 210 - Fruitville Road/FL-780. East on Fruitville Road for 0.7 miles. NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Right on Coburn Road for 0.7 miles. Ackerman Park, Colonial Oaks Park, Continue on Apex Road, for 0.4 miles. Nathan Benderson Park and Sarasota Left on Palmer Boulevard, for 0.8 miles. Audubon Nature Center. Entrance is on the left. WHAT TO EXPECT The site provides varied terrain to DID YOU walk, run or hike. Wildlife viewing KNOW? may include a wide range of birds, as well as many migratory birds. This area was a rich You may see herons, black-necked muckland known " stilt, ibis, terns, anhinga, cormorant, q limpkin, sparrows and wrens. The as Big Camp Saw Sarasota Audubon Society has noted Grass and Tatum at least 225 species. Saw Grass prior to q" HIGHLIGHTS being developed as vegetable elds in • Activities: birding and hiking. 0 500 1,000 2,000 • Observation mound and the early 1920’s by the Sarasota-Venice two boardwalks with views of Company. The site has historically been Feet µ the wetlands. and continues to be a birding hotspot • Popular for birding enthusiasts and is noted in the Great Florida with over 225 species identi ed. Birding Trail.

16 17 4572 17th St. 4 CIRCUS HAMMOCK Sarasota, 34235 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 21 acres GPS Coordinates 17TH STREET 17 ST N 27.350356 W -82.480816 q"

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on This urban preserve protects a diverse a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. assemblage of plants and provides a AMENITIES beautiful, peaceful green space in the • Trails - unpaved midst of residential neighborhoods. You will meander through the NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS q" shady hammock of oaks, red maple, 17th Street Park and Dog Park, hackberry and American elm. Fruitville Park and Nathan Benderson Park.

GETTING THERE COURSE GOLF JONES BOBBY I-75 Exit 210 - Fruitville Road/FL-780. Travel west on Fruitville Road, turn right on Honore Avenue. Turn left DID YOU on 17th Street. Turn left into 17th Street Park (west entrance). Preserve KNOW? entrance is on the right. Parking area Circus Hammock w" is on your left at 17th Street Dog 17 ST PARK AND PAW PARK Park, just a short walk to the is located near preserve’s entrance. the original historic 17TH STREET PARK PARK AND DOG WHAT TO EXPECT winter quarters of A shady refuge in Sarasota’s city the Ringling Bros. limits with wildlife viewing, which may include woodpeckers, box turtle, and Barnum & red-shouldered hawk, barred owl and Bailey Circus. migratory song birds such as warblers. HIGHLIGHTS • Activities: birding, picnicking µ and hiking. • 1.5 miles of shady trails 0 100 200 400 0 150 300 600 Feet µ Feet

18 19 PINEBROOK PARK 1500 Pinebrook Road Venice, 34285 5 CURRY CREEK PRESERVE PINEBROOK ROAD East entrance w" 1075 Albee Farm Road Venice, 34292 West entrance Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 80 acres GPS Coordinates East entrance N 27.115563 W -82.417324 West entrance N 27.116302 W -82.433459

ABOUT THE PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS This preserve protects rare coastal • Activities: birding, shing, hiking longleaf pine atwoods while and paddling. providing valuable open space for • Just over 1.5 miles of trails with views a growing community. Visitors will along Curry Creek. delight in the variety as scrub and pine • West entrance - kayak launch. Dog- flatwoods blend into tidal marshes friendly designated area only on and swamps along the creek’s edge. west side of preserve. All dogs must be kept on a hand-held, maximum GETTING THERE 6-foot leash. East entrance: from I-75 Exit 195 - Laurel Road East. Travel west on Laurel AMENITIES Road East. Turn left on Pinebrook • Canoe/kayak launch • Interpretive signage Road. Entrance on the right, limited • Picnic tables parking along easement. Entrance • Trails - unpaved on the right, opposite Water Street. Limited parking near entrance. NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Nokomis Community Park, Pinebrook West entrance: from I-75 Exit 195 - Park, Pocono Trail Preserve, The Legacy Laurel Road East. Travel west on Laurel Trail, Well eld Park. Road East. Turn left on Albee Farm Road North. Entrance and parking area are on the left, close to walk-through access and kayak launch. Entrance and DID YOU parking area located south of Colonia KNOW? Lane, on the left, close to walk-through Curry Creek access and kayak launch. " is one of the w ALBEE FARM ROAD WHAT TO EXPECT Mangroves and giant leather ferns few remaining coastal creeks in line the creek. Wildlife viewing may southwest Florida and is named for include: gopher tortoise, alligator, the Curry family, early pioneers that 0 250 500 1,000 bobcat, bald eagle and wading birds settled the area. Take a virtual tour Feet

such as the herons, ibis and limpkins. µ at: youtu.be/mT5kpQ9fZ-8.

20 21 10201 South Tamiami Trail CARLTON RESERVE Venice, 34287 6 DEER PRAIRIE CREEK South entrance 7001 Forbes Trail OAK PRESERVE Venice, 34292 LINCER CATHEDRAL North entrance PRESERVE PRESERVE Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset SCHEWE RANCH Size 6,439 acres FORBES TRAIL GPS Coordinates ¦¨§¨¦§7575 North entrance w" N 27.107847 W -82.318981 South entrance N 27.048405 W -82.288305

SCHEWE RANCH JELKS PRESERVE

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • 70 miles of trails through This preserve protects the oodplain diverse habitats. of the Myakka River, a designated Wild • Horseback riding trails accessible and Scenic River. The preserve features from north entrance only. pine atwoods, prairie hammock and RIVER ROAD M • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on YA KK seasonal wetlands, providing scenic A a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. R overlooks along the Myakka River and IV ER Deer Prairie Creek. AMENITIES • Accessible paved path to picnic table GETTING THERE - south entrance North entrance: I-75 Exit 193 - • Canoe/kayak launch - south entrance ¤£¤£41 Jacaranda Boulevard. North on • Horse trailer access - north entrance Jacaranda Boulevard. Right on Border • Interpretive signage Road Right on South Moon Drive. Left • Picnic shelters with tables on Forbes Trail. Entrance on right with • Trails – unpaved horse trailer parking. NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS South entrance: I-75 Exit 191 - North Carlton Reserve, Jelks Preserve and River Road Turn left on US-41/South Senator Bob Johnson’s Landing. Tamiami Trail. Make U-turn at Lazy River Road, entrance is on right. Parking area is one mile into the preserve. w" DID YOU WHAT TO EXPECT A wilderness lover’s dream for nature KNOW? hiking. Wildlife viewing may include: gopher tortoise, alligator, river otter, The preserve wild turkey, swallow-tailed kite, contributes w" Florida scrub-jay, wading birds. Plants to complete include: St. John’s wort, tar ower and pine lily. protection of the Deer Prairie Creek in Sarasota County and nearly six miles 00.511.50.25 HIGHLIGHTS Miles µ • Activities: birding, shing, hiking, of the Myakka River’s east bank. Take a paddling, and picnicking. virtual tour at: youtu.be/IpyUx9CyJaY.

22 23 2300 N. River Road 7 Venice, 34292 SNOOK JELKS PRESERVE HAVEN Hours SLEEPING TURTLES 6 a.m. - Sunset SOUTH Size 614 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.091104 W -82.338187

DEER PRAIRIE CREEK PRESERVE

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on RIVER KA AK Acquired in 1999 with generous a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. MY support of the Jelks Family Foundation, the preserve borders AMENITIES the Myakka River, forever protecting • Picnic tables RIVER ROAD a piece of the riverine oodplain. • Trails - unpaved Visitors will traverse through a NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS varied landscape of hammocks, pine Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, Senator atwoods, and seasonal wetlands. Bob Johnson’s Landing, Sleeping GETTING THERE Turtles Preserve South and Snook I-75 Exit 191 - North River Road. Travel Haven Park. southeast on North River Road for 1.4 miles. Entrance is on left, parking area located near entrance and walk- CENTER ROAD through access. WHAT TO EXPECT DID YOU Some trails may be cool as you stroll to the river through canopy KNOW? hammocks, others may be open and Visitors can sunny as they cross pine atwoods. Wildlife viewing may include: gopher view the tortoises, swallowtail butter ys and river at three swallow-tailed kites, song birds and an assortment of wild owers, such as di erent Carolina jessamine and coralbean. locations, while walking in the HIGHLIGHTS shade of mature live oak trees, full • Activities: birding, shing, hiking of epiphytes. Take a virtual tour at: and picnicking. https://youtu.be/oaa3f4gfs3o. 0 500 1,000 2,000 • Eight miles of trails through a diverse landscape. Feet µ • Scenic vistas of the Myakka River.

24 25 570 Bay Park Boulevard 8 LEMON BAY PARK AND Englewood, 34223 Hours ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 6 a.m. - Sunset " Size q BAYSHORE DRIVE 210 acres GPS Coordinates N 26.971914 W -82.373363

q" GASPARILLA BOULEVARD BAY VISTA ABOUT THE PROPERTY • 3.5 miles of trails including boardwalks q" BOULEVARD Lemon Bay Park has preserved the with scenic overlooks of Lemon Bay. pine and scrubby atwoods and • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on OHIO natural shoreline along Lemon Bay. a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. AVENUE Tucked in an urban location, the park also provides outdoor recreation and AMENITIES environmental education. • Accessibility q" • Boardwalk, scenic overlook OHIO AVENUE GETTING THERE • Butter y garden From I-75 Exit 193 - Jacaranda • Canoe/kayak launch Boulevard. Go south on Jacaranda • Indoor rental space Boulevard toward Englewood for 5.1 • Interpretive signage miles. Left on FL-776/Englewood Road, • Picnic shelter with tables go 4.1 miles. Right on Old Englewood • Restrooms Road, go one mile. Slight right on • Trails - paved and unpaved LEMON BAY Kilbourne Avenue, go 0.2 miles. NATURE CENTER w" First right on Morrison Avenue, then NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS rst left on Curtis Boulevard. First right Indian Mound Park, Manasota Scrub on Brengle Avenue. Entrance and Preserve, Englewood Sports Complex, parking ahead. Buchan Airport Community Park. WHAT TO EXPECT Varied tree and wild ower species: STEWART STREET lupine, palafox, coontie and Curtis’ DID YOU milkweed. Wildlife viewing may KNOW? include: gopher tortoise, grey fox, bobcat, river otter, raccoon, Visitors can butter ies, and a variety of birds such as anhinga, bald eagle, snowy egret, explore ycatchers and frigates. the longest Will Randall HIGHLIGHTS remaining • Activities: birding, shing, hiking, intact and contiguous natural area kayaking, strolling through the 0 500 1,000 Feet butter y garden, attending mangrove shoreline in Sarasota µ seasonal programs. County, home to three pairs of • Picnic pavilion and indoor meeting nesting bald eagles. space available. Contact 941-861-7275 for reservations.

26 27 2695 Bridge St. 9 MANASOTA SCRUB Englewood, 34223 Hours PRESERVE 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 179 acres 5TH STREET GPS Coordinates SHANE ROAD N 27.017725 ENGLEWOOD ROAD (SR 776) W -82.394127 q"

q w" " BRIDGE STREET ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly designated area (east of Manasota Scrub Preserve is home Bridge Street and north of 5th Street to some of the county’s remaining only). All dogs must be kept on a scattered pockets of scrub habitat. hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. The system of trails and a boardwalk AMENITIES o ers picturesque views of a variety • Accessibility (partial) of upland and wetland habitats right • Picnic tables within a suburban community. • Trails - unpaved GETTING THERE NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS I-75 Exit 193 - Jacaranda Boulevard. Go Lemon Bay Park, Manasota Beach, south on Jacaranda Boulevard toward Shamrock Park, South Venice Lemon Englewood for 5.1 miles. Left on Bay Preserve and Venice Area Englewood Road go 1.6 miles. Right Audubon Rookery. on Manasota Beach Road, go 0.2 miles. 5TH STREET Left on Bridge Street, entrance on left with limited parking. MANASOTA BEACH ROAD WHAT TO EXPECT DID YOU Unwind and enjoy nature on one of the benches that you will nd along the KNOW? trail, and overlooking the pond. Wildlife SHELL DRIVE viewing may include: gopher tortoise, The preserve is wood ducks, swallowtail butter ies and named for the MANASOTA BEACH ROAD great horned owls. predominant HIGHLIGHTS habitat and one of 0 500 1,000 • Activities: birding, hiking Feet and picnicking. the earlier landowners, the Manasota µ • 1.5 miles of trails, some of which Land and Timber Company. experience seasonal ooding. • A variety of wild owers such as DESIGNATED grassleaf, goldenaster and blazing star. AREA ONLY

28 29 1289 Campbell St. 10 MYAKKA ISLANDS POINT Port Charlotte, 34293 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 100 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.010580 W -82.254818 MYAKKA STATE FOREST

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Two miles of trails with wonderful Myakka Islands Point is an views of the Myakka River, Charlotte ecologically productive and Harbor and tidal marshes. important site. The expansive tidal • A bountiful array of natural coastal marsh that surrounds an “island” of communities rich with history. CHARLOTTE COUNTY CHARLOTTE upland flatwoods provides habitat AMENITIES for wading birds and fish. Catching a • Trails - unpaved glimpse of the Myakka River, it’s easy to understand this region’s historic NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS associations with fishing, navigable Dallas White Park, Myakka State Forest waterways and Native American and Marina Park. culture. GETTING THERE I-75 Exit 191 - North River Road. Go south on North River Road toward North Port for 5.5 miles. Left on US-41 South Tamiami Trail, go 4.1 miles. Right on North Port Boulevard, go 0.8 miles. Right on Chancellor Boulevard, go one mile. Chancellor Boulevard turns MYAKKA RIVER left and becomes Campbell Street, go DID YOU south on Campbell Street 1.4 miles. KNOW? Entrance and parking on right. Visitors may observe species such WHAT TO EXPECT Tidal marsh views. Wildlife may as American kestrels and bald include: American kestrel, swallow- eagles, as well as a variety of tailed kite, a variety of wading birds and amphibians. wading birds, amphibians and various wetland plants. HIGHLIGHTS 0 250 500 • Activities: birding and hiking. Feet µ

30 31 6968 Reisterstown Road 11 MYAKKAHATCHEE CREEK North Port, 34291 Hours ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Dawn to dusk Size 162 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.109727 q" W -82.206252 NORTH SALFORD BOULEVARD

BRIDGE BRIDGE

w" TROPICAIRE BOULEVARD

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on This park is owned by the city of North a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. Port and operated by Sarasota County. The shared-use trails are popular with AMENITIES equestrians, o -road bicyclists and • Grills • Hitching posts hikers seeking nature and solitude. BIG SLOUGH PRESERVE Motorized vehicles are prohibited. • Picnic tables Please practice trail courtesy when • Picnic shelter (small) using shared-use trails. • Potable water for horses • Primitive campsite (permit required) GETTING THERE • Scenic overlook BRIDGE I-75 Exit 182 Sumter Boulevard. • Trails - equestrian Head north on Sumter Boulevard for • Trails - unpaved approximately one mile, head left on • Water fountain Tropicaire Boulevard for approximately 1/2 mile, take the rst right on to NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Reisterstown Road and follow it for Carlton Reserve, Deer Prairie Creek REISTERSTOWN ROAD approximately one mile. The park Preserve and Walton Ranch. DRIVE ESTATES entrance will be on your right. WHAT TO EXPECT KIDS Great views of Myakkahatchee Creek. CORNER Wildlife viewing may include: a wide a variety of birds, alligators, turtles, sh, See if you deer, bobcats and gopher tortoises. can nd the HIGHLIGHTS

scenic wooden CARLTON RESERVE • Activities: hiking, horseback riding and primitive camping footbridge that (by reservation). is located over • Four miles of multi-use trails along a the creek. If you blackwater creek lined with century- 0250 500 1,000 old oaks. are lucky you Feet • A natural area where visitors can enjoy may see a horseback rider sharing µ an old Florida nature experience. the trail. • Trailhead to Eastern Ranchlands, including Carlton Reserve.

32 33 251 Myakka Road 12 OLD MIAKKA PRESERVE Sarasota, 34240 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 132 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.334184 W -82.262337 WHIDDEN ROAD –

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Four miles of unpaved trails through The preserve is named for Old Miakka, systems of hammocks and the historic rural community where seasonal wetlands. the preserve is located. Enjoy the • 1.5 mile Tim Cash Loop Trail. variety of plant life here that inspired w" Tim Cash (1954-1993), a local nursery AMENITIES owner and founding member of the • Interpretive signage Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native • Picnic shelter with table Plant Society, who was also active in • Trails - unpaved the Old Miakka community. A trail NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS named in his honor passes through Myakka River State Park. subtle changes in habitat, allowing visitors to experience the natural diversity that Tim admired. GETTING THERE I-75, Exit 210-Fruitville Road, east on Fruitville Road for 11.3 miles. Continue straight on Fruitville Road Extension for .04 miles. Entrance and parking on DID YOU right, inside the gate. KNOW?

WHAT TO EXPECT Old Miakka Experience the tranquil beauty of FRUITVILLE ROAD EXTENSION ROAD FRUITVILLE this preserve with wildlife viewing Preserve has the that may include: gopher tortoise, highest natural swallow-tailed kite, migratory song birds. Plants such as longleaf pine, elevation of any scrub oaks, Florida paintbrush county park. MYAKKA ROAD and pawpaw are plentiful. The elevation 0 250 500 HIGHLIGHTS reaches a height of 54 feet. • Activities: birding, hiking Feet µ and picnicking

34 35 4000 Knights Trail Road Nokomis, 34275 13 PINELANDS RESERVE NO PUBLIC ACCESS Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size

6,151 acres COWPEN SLOUGH GPS Coordinates N 27.166585 W -82.404300

NO PUBLIC ACCESS

I G H T T R A IL R O AD

w" MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK ABOUT THE PROPERTY lakes and seasonal wetlands and a PUBLIC ACCESS AREA Pinelands Reserve is a 5,601-acre site myriad of native wild owers. that surrounds the Central County • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on Solid Waste Disposal Complex. a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. Currently, a small portion of the reserve is open to the public, with AMENITIES more access and trails planned for the • Interpretive signage future. Enjoy hiking through diverse • Picnic tables natural communities. Please practice • Trails - unpaved trail courtesy when hiking trails. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Curry Creek Preserve, Pocono Trail GETTING THERE Preserve and Scherer Thaxton Preserve. I-75, Exit 195-Laurel Road. Go east on Laurel Road for 0.25 miles. Turn left onto Knights Trail Road, travel two DID YOU miles. Entrance is on the right; limited parking is located near the entrance. KNOW? WHAT TO EXPECT The protected Great views of wildlife may include: Sherman’s fox ROCKY FORD bald eagles, a wide variety of birds, squirrel is bigger alligators, turtles, sh, deer, bobcats and gopher tortoises. than your average KNIGHT TRAIL PARK CARLTON RESERVE HIGHLIGHTS squirrel! It is • Activities: birding, found in the open hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. pine atwoods of central and northeastern Florida, • 1.5 miles of hiking trails. 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 and eats mostly plants, but sometimes

• While touring the reserve you ROAD TRAIL KNIGHT Miles µ will enjoy a diverse vegetation insects and bird eggs. community, including pine atwoods, upland mixed forests,

36 37 189 Pocono Trail 14 POCONO TRAIL PRESERVE Nokomis, 34275 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 8.2 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.117776 W -82.449284

SHAKETT CREEK

w" ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on The preserve maintains the health a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. of the Shakett Creek estuary system, providing important habitat, open AMENITIES space and water access along a major • Picnic tables urban corridor. Shady trails meander • Scenic overlook beneath picturesque live oaks and slash • Trails - unpaved pines o ering occasional glimpses of NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS POCONO TRAIL EAST the creek. Nokomis Community Park, The Legacy GETTING THERE Trail, Curry Creek Preserve and q" I-75 Exit 195/Laurel Road. West on Laurel Park. Laurel Road for 2.8 miles. Left on U.S. 41 and go south 1.7 miles. Left on Colonia Lane, go 0.3 miles. Take a third left on DID YOU Pocono Trail East, go 0.2 miles. Entrance COLONIA LANE EAST on right. Limited parking. KNOW? ¤£¤£41 WHAT TO EXPECT Pocono Trail Enjoy the maritime hammock, tidal Preserve was swamp and scrubby flatwoods. Wildlife viewing may include: originally ospreys, grey squirrels, and a variety named by of wading birds. Dr. Fred Albee, an early settler HIGHLIGHTS of Nokomis and owner of the • Activities: birding, hiking, picnicking and nature photography. Pollyanna Inn, which was located 050 100 200 300 • One mile of shady trails right on on this property and opened in Shakett Creek. Feet µ 1922. Take a virtual tour at: • Close to U.S. 41 and various restaurants. youtu.be/xD1dk8r3VLE.

38 39 5200 Beneva Road 15 RED BUG SLOUGH PRESERVE Sarasota, 34231 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 72 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.277198 W -82.497745 BENEVA ROAD w"

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Butter y garden featuring Florida Red Bug Slough Preserve is a small native plants. oasis of natural Florida in the midst of • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on suburban Sarasota. The slough, named a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. for the cotton stainer bug, ows through the preserve and forms a calm AMENITIES q" lake. Hiking and biking trails through • Accessible restrooms the preserve are shaded by pines and • Boardwalk loblolly bay that give way to oaks • Fishing pier draped with Spanish moss. • Interpretive signage " • Picnic shelters with tables q GETTING THERE

• Playground ROAD PROCTOR I-75 Exit 207 - Bee Ridge Road/FL-758. • Trails - unpaved Go west on Bee Ridge Road for 2.9 miles. Turn left onto Beneva Road, NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS for 1.4 miles. Entrance is on the right Bee Ridge Park, Phillippi Estate Park, ELMER STREET ASHTON ROAD ASHTON with limited parking available a short Urfer Family Park. q" q" distance from a walk-through access. SOUTH LOCKWOOD RIDGE ROAD WHAT TO EXPECT Destress as you stop to rest on one of DID YOU the park benches that overlook the lake. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic KNOW? shelter. Wildlife viewing may include: grey squirrel, marsh rabbit, river otter, Red Bug and occasional alligator, migratory song Slough is a birds, wood ducks and plants, such as q" NUTMEG AVENUE shallow, slow- partridge pea, string lily, milkweed, Will Randall passion ower and frostweed. moving body GYPSY STREET

HIGHLIGHTS of water that lters and improves the CAMPHOR AVENUE • Activities: biking, birding, hiking, quality of water entering Sarasota picnicking, shing, nature 0 250 500 1,000 Bay. Take a virtual tour at: photography and playground. Feet µ • Two miles of shaded and sunny trails youtu.be/0QQPIjec7Dg. with water views.

40 41 8650 Bee Ridge Road 16 ROTHENBACH PARK Sarasota, 34241 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 450 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.295577 W -82.397353

ABOUT THE PROPERTY AMENITIES !( Rothenbach Park is a closed and • Accessibility RC FLYERS capped land ll that has been recycled • Interpretive signage into open vistas. It is a prime example • Picnic pavilion - reservable of turning trash into treasure! The • Picnic tables amenities include advanced recycling • Playground - accessible w" • Restrooms and sustainable building techniques • Trails - paved and materials. Named for Walter J. Rothenbach, Jr., a 40-year employee of NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Sarasota County and former director of Lakeview Park and Dog Park and Celery Parks and Recreation. Fields Regional Stormwater Facility.

GETTING THERE I-75 Exit 207 - Bee Ridge Road. Go east on Bee Ridge 3.1 miles, turn right 0.2 miles into the park. Follow park road veering right to the entrance. DID YOU w" WHAT TO EXPECT KNOW? Two playground areas with a variety of playground equipment on a soft mulch Florida has the surface. Wildlife viewing may include: richest epiphyte white-tailed deer, American alligator, armadillo, meadowlarks, red-shouldered ora in the United hawk, black-bellied whistling duck, States, with wood ducks, coot, moorhen, herons, approximately 85 species of native air BEE RIDGE ROAD EXTENSION rabbits and woodpeckers. plant ferns and owering plants. A HIGHLIGHTS walk along the shaded hammock trail • Activities: birding, hiking, picnicking and playground. provides multiple opportunities for 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 BEE RIDGE ROAD • Five miles of varied elevation, paved epiphyte viewing. Feet

trails, both sunny and shaded. µ • Picnic pavilion available for reservation. For more information contact 941-861-7275.

42 43 13125 Honore Ave. 17 SCHERER THAXTON Osprey, 34229 Hours PRESERVE 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 287 acres GPS Coordinates ¨¦§¨¦§7575 N 27.140614 W -82.416526 q" w"

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • A diverse variety of Florida This property was acquired in 1992 to flowering plants and seasonal continue the natural landscape and explosions of color. wildlife corridor adjacent to the Mary • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on q" Thaxton Memorial Preserve of the a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash Oscar Scherer State Park. Elsa Scherer Burrows left her family’s ranch to the AMENITIES state in memory of her father, Oscar. • Canoe/kayak launch Former Sarasota County Commissioner • Interpretive signage Jon Thaxton, a local Florida scrub- • Picnic tables jay expert, led the e ort to protect • Trails - unpaved additional lands adjacent to the park. PARK STATE SCHERER OSCAR )"681 NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS GETTING THERE Culverhouse Nature Park, Curry Creek From north: I-75 Exit 200 - SR 681 Preserve, The Legacy Trail and Oscar South toward Venice/Osprey. Go Scherer State Park. south on SR 681, turn right on Honore Avenue, entrance and parking on left. From south; take U.S. 41 north to Central Sarasota Parkway, turn right, DID YOU go to Honore Avenue, travel south, KNOW? entrance and parking on right. WHAT TO EXPECT Did you As you hike, keep an eye out for the know that HONORE AVENUE scarce Florida scrub-jay or a soaring this preserve eagle. Habitats include pine atwoods and depressional wetlands. depends on HIGHLIGHTS ooding and re? Intermittent • Activities: biking, birding, shing, oods and res shape the 0 250 500 1,000 hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing. habitat allowing grasses and Feet µ • Loop trail around the lake and connecting trails to Oscar Scherer wild owers to dominate Park (entrance fee). Seasonal trail the understory. ooding can occur.

44 45 3900 Shamrock Drive 18 SHAMROCK PARK Venice, 34293 Hours AND NATURE CENTER 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 85 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.050926 W -82.432227

CASPERSEN BEACH PARK

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on The park balances several a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. community activities while providing opportunities for nature study, AMENITIES educational hikes and environmental • Accessibility programs, as well as facilities for • Basketball courts - outdoor active recreation. As a trailhead for • Demonstration garden the Venetian Waterway Park, it allows • Nature center with visitors to walk, bike or roller blade interpretive signage SHAMROCK DRIVE from the park to downtown Venice, • Picnic shelters with tables the historic Venice Train Depot and • Picnic pavilion - reservable The Legacy Trail. • Playground, toddler and school-aged areas GETTING THERE • Restrooms I-75 Exit 200 SR 681 South toward • Tennis courts w" Venice to North Tamiami Trail/U.S. 41. • Trails - paved and unpaved Left onto North Tamiami Trail to Venice INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY Bypass to Shamrock Drive, right on NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS w" Shamrock Drive to park entrance on Caspersen Beach, The Legacy Trail, CASPERSEN BEACH PARK right. Parking areas are near the Nature South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve Center, park amenities and trails. and Venetian Waterway Park. WHAT TO EXPECT Come take a beautiful trail walk along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or shoot some hoops. Wildlife and scenic DID YOU viewing may include: gopher tortoise, osprey, Florida scrub-jay, and views of KNOW? 0 250 500 the ICW. Will Randall Feet µ HIGHLIGHTS Gopher tortoises may live more than • Activities: birding, hiking, 60 years and dig burrows up to 40 feet basketball and tennis. long and 10 feet deep. These burrows • Recreational pavilion and indoor GULF OF MEXICO meeting/classroom space. For are used by nearly 350 other kinds of reservations, contact 941-861-7275. animals, including insects, snakes, • Trailhead for the Venetian Waterway rodents, toads and spiders. Park (trail).

46 47 3462 Border Road 19 SLEEPING TURTLES Venice, 34292 Hours PRESERVE NORTH 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 174 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.122678 W -82.351988 CARLTON RESERVE

w" BORDER ROAD ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, designated area is q" Sleeping Turtles Preserve North only on the portion of the preserve provides multiple passive recreation north of Border Road. All dogs must opportunities and preserves the be kept on a hand-held, maximum character and quality of the Myakka 6-foot leash. River. The preserve’s trails wind • Horses are allowed on the preserve through oodplain swamps and pine south of Border Road. atwoods and o er views of the river where visitors might see “sleeping” AMENITIES turtles basking on fallen trees. • Interpretive signage • Picnic shelters with tables GETTING THERE • Trails - equestrian NORTH ROAD JACKSON NORTH I-75 Exit 193 - Jacaranda Boulevard. • Trails - unpaved Go north on Jacaranda Boulevard for 0.9 miles. Turn right onto Border NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS Road, travel two miles. Entrance is Carlton Reserve, Deer Prairie Creek on the left, limited parking is located Preserve-North Entrance. near the entrance. WHAT TO EXPECT Visitors will enjoy amazing views of the Myakka River and diverse natural DID YOU communities, including upland mixed forests and seasonal wetlands. KNOW? Wildlife viewing may include: gopher The preserve tortoises, swallow-tailed kites, alligators, snakes and migratory is named after song birds. Sleeping HIGHLIGHTS Turtles, a • Activities: birding, shing and hiking. ¦¨§¨¦§7575 landmark on the Myakka River noted 0250 500 1,000 • 4.7 miles of trails with breathtaking on naval maps from the 1800s. Feet views of the Myakka River. µ

48 49 SOUTH MOON DRIVE 2800 N. River Road 20 SLEEPING TURTLES Venice, 34292 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset PRESERVE SOUTH MYAKKA RIVER Size 213 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.106561 W -82.346281

¨§75 ¨¦§¦¨§7575 ¦

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • 5.5 miles of trails with one leading to Y Sleeping Turtles Preserve South a view of the Myakka River. A K provides shady hiking trails through • An approximately one-mile trail K oak hammocks and pine atwoods. A encircles a 20-acre lake. RIVER It is bordered on the east by the Myakka River and has a large man- AMENITIES q" made lake in the center of the • Interpretive signage preserve. Fishing, hiking and birding • Picnic shelters with tables are some of the nature-based • Trails - unpaved recreational activities available. NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS

GETTING THERE Carlton Reserve, Deer Prairie Creek RIVER ROAD From I-75 Exit 191- North River Road. Preserve, Jelks Preserve and Travel southeast on North River Road Snook Haven. for 0.6 miles. Entrance is on the left. Limited parking just before Venice Avenue. Walk-throughs are located o of North River Road near East Venice Avenue and near the southeast corner, near the intersection of North River DID YOU Road and the I-75 southbound ramp. KNOW? WHAT TO EXPECT Bring your shing pole, and stroll This man-made around the 20-acre lake until you lake was created nd your secret spot. The one-mile from a borrow pit w" trail o ers several benches and picnic tables to take in the view, go hiking (an excavation in or enjoy a waterfront picnic. Wildlife which material is removed to serve EAST VENICE AVENUE viewing may include: gopher tortoises, swallow-tailed kites, alligators, snakes as ll for another site). The ll was and migratory songbirds. used in the construction of I-75 in 0 250 500 1,000 the early 1970s. Feet µ HIGHLIGHTS • Activities: birding, shing, hiking.

50 51 6200 Osprey Road 21 SOUTH VENICE Venice, 34293 5472 Kenisco Road LEMON BAY PRESERVE Venice, 34293 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 225 acres ¨¦§75 GPS Coordinates 6200 Osprey Road N 27.022834 W -82.410164 5472 Kenisco Road N 27.029793 W -82.414688

KENISCO ROAD

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Approximately eight miles of trails, A peaceful retreat for visitors and including a 1.6-mile scenic trail. a refuge for several protected COLONIAL ROAD animals and plants. Tucked in an AMENITIES urban location, the park provides • Boardwalks opportunities for outdoor recreation • Interpretive signage q" and environmental education. • Trails - unpaved • Picnic shelters with tables OCELOT ROAD ROAD OSPREY GETTING THERE I-75 Exit 210-Jacaranda Boulevard. Go NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS q" south toward Englewood/Venice for Manasota Scrub Preserve, 5.1 miles. Left on Englewood Road, go Shamrock Park, Lemon Bay Park. 1.6 miles. Right on Manasota Beach LEMON BAY Road, go 0.2 miles. Slight right on Belvedere Road, go 0.3 miles. Right w" on Pheasant Road, go 0.2 miles. Left on Macon Road, go 0.2 miles. Left DID YOU on Osprey Road. Entrance is south of KNOW? the intersection of Macon Road and ALAMANDER AVENUE Osprey Road, with limited parking. This preserve GULF OF MEXICO WHAT TO EXPECT contains Look for plants such as mangroves, some of the cord grasses, oak species, lupine, palafox, coontie, and Curtis’ milkweed. last remaining undeveloped bay Wildlife viewing may include: gopher shorelines, which protect the 0250 500 1,000 1,500 tortoises, Florida scrub-jays, bald water quality and health of the Feet µ eagles, river otters and an assortment of snakes, including the Eastern Lemon Bay Estuary, a state aquatic coachwhip. preserve for which it was named. HIGHLIGHTS • Activities: birding, shing, hiking and picnicking.

52 53 4000 Honore Ave 22 URFER FAMILY PARK Sarasota, 34233 Hours 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Size HONORE AVENUE 55 acres GPS Coordinates " N 27.2839764 q W -82.464647

q" w"

ABOUT THE PROPERTY • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on This wonderful park o ers accessible a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash. tness equipment along the paved multi-use trails, multiple playgrounds, AMENITIES nature trails, views of cattle grazing, • Accessibility self-guided tours at the historic Dr. C.B. • Boardwalks Wilson House and more! • Fitness trail with exercise equipment • Historical/Cultural

GETTING THERE • Interpretive signage BEE RIDGE ROAD I-75 Exit 207 - Bee Ridge Road • Picnic shelters with tables Go west on Bee Ridge Road for 0.9 miles. • Two accessible playgrounds - Left on Honore Avenue. Entrance and toddler/teen parking area immediately on the right. • Restrooms • Trails - paved and unpaved WHAT TO EXPECT Ideal for family reunions or organized NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS events - o ering playgrounds, a tness Celery Fields Regional Stormwater trail, one-mile nature trail winding Facility, Colonial Oaks Park, through pine atwoods, and adjacent Rothenbach Park, Red Bug to herbaceous and forested wetlands. Slough Preserve. Wildlife viewing may include: raccoons, gopher tortoises, turtles, various snakes, birds and bobcats. DID YOU HIGHLIGHTS KNOW? • Activities: birding, tness trail, hiking and picnicking. This was Sarasota • Two miles of easy nature trails County’s rst among diverse ecosystems, including Gold LEED certi ed park (2011), boardwalks over wetlands. • Picnic pavilion available for representing a new milestone in reservation. Contact 941-861-7275. sustainability and livability in a 0 100 200 400 Feet suburban setting. µ

54 55 7020 N. Toledo 23 Blade Blvd. WALTON RANCH North Port, 34291 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 3,760 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.120250 W -82.1155346

ABOUT THE PROPERTY AMENITIES Walton Ranch is an active cattle • Interpretive signage ranch with beautiful natural areas. • Picnic tables The shared-use trails are popular with • Water for horses at stock tanks equestrians, o -road bicyclists, birders • Trails - unpaved and hikers seeking nature and solitude. Motorized vehicles and dogs are NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS prohibited. Please practice trail courtesy Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and when using shared-use trails. Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. GETTING THERE From I-75 take Exit 179 Toledo Blade Boulevard. Head north on Toledo Blade Road for approximately 1.6 miles, the entrance will be on the right, straight ahead. DID YOU KNOW? WHAT TO EXPECT Great views of wildlife may include: gopher tortoises, alligators, and Florida has of wide variety of birds, including the longest w" caracara and wild turkey. Visitors history of can also observe a wide array of wild owers, such as narrow-leaf ranching in sun ower and blue ag iris. any state in the United States. The rst HIGHLIGHTS cattle arrived with the earliest Spanish • Activities: biking, bird watching, explorers more than 400 years ago. equestrian use, wildlife When pioneer settlers came to Florida and cattle viewing. 0 0.25 0.5 BOULEVARD

• There are more than 19 miles of in the mid-1800s, they established a TOLEDO BLADE Miles µ shared-use primitive trails in the non- grazing areas. cattle industry that is still active today. • Cattle grazing in the pasture areas (please do not intentionally disturb).

56 57 Heritage of Stewardship Be a steward

Stewardship is a unique and important part of Sarasota County’s rich heritage. This heritage is re ected in our voter-adopted land acquisition programs. The citizens of Sarasota County, demonstrating their understanding of the ecological, historical and cultural value of natural areas, have chosen to preserve open spaces for wildlife habitat, to maintain plant diversity, protect watersheds, and provide outdoor recreation. They voted twice, once in 1999 and again in 2005, to pass an ad valorem tax referendum to support land conservation. The natural areas and parklands protected through these initiatives can serve to create a community legacy by protecting sensitive resources and providing outdoor recreation for current and future generations. While you are exploring the county’s natural areas, you may see our environmental professionals in action, working to restore and maintain the sites through activities such as vegetation reduction, prescribed re, managed grazing, invasive plant management and related activities. Our ecosystem management seeks to restore and maintain a natural balance which preserves the quality of these diverse landscapes for the bene t of visitors and wildlife. Monitoring, often facilitated by volunteers, enables us to gauge our e ectiveness and develop responsive approaches. This balanced, adaptive program continues Sarasota County’s history of stewardship to maintain ecological functions, preserve diverse habitats, and • Help protect wildlife - Sarasota County is home to many threatened provide recreation for residents and visitors to enjoy our community’s wild places. species, including Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and eastern indigo snakes. Help protect these creatures by observing them from a distance, and making sure that your pets are leashed at all times while in dog-friendly parks. • Other notable info: • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: myfwc.com • Recreational Fishing License: myfwc.com (keyword license) • To report wildlife violations, contact Wildlife Alert: 888-404-3922 • Go native - Native plants provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Will Randall Consider using native plants and removing invasive exotic species from landscaping. Sarasota County’s Cooperative Extension Service provides free landscaping advice: sarasota.ifas.u.edu. • Report suspicious activity - While the lands are open to the public, not all activities are authorized. Visitors are limited to posted hours. Motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are not permitted beyond parking areas. If you observe unauthorized access or suspicious activity, contact the Sarasota County Sheri’s Oce non-emergency number at 941-316-1201. • Please report fence and gate damage or illegal dumping to 941-861-5000 and include park name and location.

58 59 Get outside and get involved

Looking for a way to make a di erence? Volunteer your time and talent! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. You decide how much time you want to volunteer and we’ll match your skills and interests to activities you’ll enjoy. To register with Volunteer Sarasota, visit scgov.net (keyword volunteer) or Friends of Sarasota County Parks at foscp.org.

Non-discrimination Statement Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, or genetic information. Persons with disabilities who require assistance or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), or who wish to le a complaint, should contact Sarasota County ADA / Civil Rights Coordinator, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34236. Phone: 941-861-5000, TTY 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771; email: [email protected].

60 More outdoor opportunities

Discover nature at some of our beach parks… • Caspersen Beach Park • Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

Get o the beaten path

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources