Jim Neville Marine Preserve
Sarasota, FL 34242
Sarasota County Call Center
941-861-5000
Admission Fee
Free
Hours
24 hours per day, 365 days per year (motorized vessels prohibited between the hours of midnight and 6 AM)
Optimal Time
Year round, but seasonal flooding may occur from July to October
Amenities
Trails, accessible only by boat
Experiences
These islands in Little Sarasota Bay are accessible only by water. For those looking for a paddle experience, this 35-acre preserve provides quiet and wonderful bird watching as you explore a maze of waterways. The bird rookeries are home to roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, great egret, brown pelican, osprey and many other birds. The surrounding seagrass beds are home to marine animals. With their very low elevation, the islands make for a wet hike during high tides, but the variety of coastal birds, plants and wildlife make a visit here well worthwhile. Remember to pack your trash off the island
History
The preserve is named for Jim Neville, a renowned Sarasota environmentalist and a County commissioner who advocated preserving this natural ecosystem.
Habitats
Mangrove islands, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, salterns
Acreage
118 acres
Watershed
Dona/Roberts Bay
Who Owns and Maintains
Owned and maintained by Sarasota County
Website
SCAT Bus stop and route
None
