Get Out In Nature
By Nancy Edmondson, Environmental Specialist III
Visitors enjoy this place called the Sleeping Turtles Preserve, which comprises several parcels bordering the Myakka River. On a sultry Saturday this past July, 18 intrepid individuals endured moisture-laden air, swarms of annoying mosquitoes and occasionally flooded trails to explore two of its properties along the wild and scenic Myakka River.
As many who have already experienced one will tell you, a nature walk along the Myakka is not exactly a stroll in the park, but it's not quite an adventure along the Amazon, either. Instead, it's something in between, offering long vistas of a meandering, wide river, live oaks festooned with illuminated, dew-drenched spider webs, and sporadic sightings of an egret or ibis gliding low over the water's surface.
That morning in July was a little cooler than the usual 85-degrees, thanks to cloud cover and shade from decades-old oaks along the tannin-colored river. Along the preserve's trails, purple-flowering ironweeds interrupted our gait, and the silvery leaves of a cardinal air plant swept our gaze into the tree canopy. The trail's stillness was such a pleasant change from the urban noise we are subjected to daily.
Sleeping Turtles Preserve is just one of many properties acquired in the last seven years through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, and just a fraction of the land preserved along the river. Residents and visitors can participate all year long in nature walks through those lands.
Sarasota County-sponsored walks may be led by staff or volunteers, eager to share information on aspects of the natural landscape" plants, wildlife or the big picture along with the responsibilities of managing it. The opportunities may be educational or more recreational like a combined hike or bike trip from Manasota Beach to Manasota Scrub and Lemon Bay Preserves or a kayak excursion on the river with short hikes on the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.
Visit one of the more urban areas, Curry Creek Preserve or Pocono Trail Preserve to learn more about the recent and archaeological history of the area. In Sarasota, Red Bug Slough Preserve has been a favorite of bird watchers and families.
This is the season to enjoy our fabulous wilderness areas. Those hot, humid, summer days have been replaced by sunny, dry and cooler ones. During our splendid winter, get out and enjoy nature! Programs are advertised in local newspapers as well as on Sarasota County's web site, www.scgov.net. Walks may be easy to difficult (long distance), usually 1 - 2 hours in length. Contact the Sarasota County Call Center, 861-5000 or Natural Resources, 861-6230 for details.
