Amenities

Hiking trails, picnic tables, benches along trails, pet-friendly (must be leashed and controlled at all times)

Experiences

This preserve is a slice of “Real Florida;” a natural wilderness, complete with wildlife and solitude. Nature lovers will enjoy over five miles of marked trails offering wildlife viewing and bird watching. This is one of the few remaining sites to see the now scarce scrub jay. The preserve is considered the “Crown Jewel” of the Sarasota County Habitat Conservation Plan, with Sarasota County’s Oscar Scherer Buffer Park to the east. In addition to the hiking trails, service roads and firebreaks can also be explored. Trails are mostly in the open sun. Wear hiking clothes, bring a cell phone and freshwater for yourself and your pets.

History

The Mary Thaxton Preserve is a portion of unspoiled lands acquired by the State in 1991 in an effort to protect the last vestiges of scrubby flatwoods habitat in the County. It is honorably named after the mother of the person who dedicated his time and effort to make it a reality, County Commissioner Jon Thaxton. The land was acquired under the CARL Program (Conservation and Recreational Lands) and Preservation 2000.

Habitats

Pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, wetlands

Acreage

629 acres (2 miles along South Creek and 1 mile on Big Lake)

Watershed

Little Sarasota Bay

Who Owns and Maintains

Maintained by Florida Park Service

Website

www.floridastateparks/oscarscherer/

SCAT Bus stop and route

Route 17 at US 41 and Sorrento (for entrance at Oscar Scherer State Park)