Amenities

Hiking/walking trails, equestrian trails, non-motorized bicycle trails, fishing, canoe/kayak landing (only accessible via water), picnic shelters, park benches, portable restrooms, parking, horse trailer parking, water trough for horses

North entrance: 7001 Forbes Trail, Venice, FL 34292
South entrance: 10201 Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34287

For additional information see: www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/myakka-deeerprairie.html

Experiences

Walk the preserve’s trails through a variety of native habitats, including pine flatwoods, prairie hammock and seasonal wetlands. Portions of the trails provide scenic overlooks along the banks of the Myakka River and Deer Prairie Creek. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the preserve: gopher tortoises, alligators, river otter, wild turkey, swallow-tailed kite, Florida scrub jays and an assortment of wading birds. Native flowering plants, such as St. John’s wort, tarflower and pine lily thrive throughout the landscape, with particularly striking displays during the spring and fall.

The preserve has more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, unpaved but accessible for most visitors. All trail intersections are marked with numbered trail markers and certain trails are shared by hikers, bicyclists and equestrian users. The trails are primitive and rated easy to moderately difficult. Trails may be flooded during the summer months and after extended periods of heavy rainfall. Some trails may be wet year round where they intersect creeks and ditches. Fishing is permissible along the river, creek and pond. Water, sun block, insect repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended.

History

This 6,439 acre preserve, located along the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, was purchased between 2000 and 2004 through a partnership between Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. In combination with other protected lands to the north, this preserve provides complete protection of the creek in Sarasota County and nearly six miles of the Myakka River’s east bank, in addition to the river’s floodplain. A portion of the tract once used for cattle grazing is being restored to a more natural condition by using prescribed burns.

Habitats

Pine flatwoods, prairie hammock, seasonal wetlands

Acreage

6,439 acres along the Florida State-designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River

Watershed

Myakka River

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District

Website

www.scgov.net

SCAT Bus stop and route

Route 9 and route 19 at south entrance on U.S. 41