Amenities

Hiking/walking trails, observation areas, picnic shelter, park benches, dog-friendly, portable restroom, limited parking. Coming soon: ADA compliant trail, climbing boulders playground, picnic pavilion, restroom facilities and expanded parking

Experiences

The preserve has more than five miles of hiking trails, including a river trail with open views of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. A network of trails takes you through diverse habitats, including floodplain swamps, pine flatwoods, upland mixed forests and seasonal wetlands. Watch for wildlife such as gopher tortoises, swallowtailed kites, alligators and an assortment of song birds.

The preserve is split by Border Road, with the larger portion of land, parking area and leashed pet access located on the north side of the road. The hiking trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors. All trail intersections are marked with numbered markers. Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several may be wet year round where they intersect creeks and ditches. Water, sun block, insect repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for hiking.

History

This 174 acre preserve consists of four parcels of land that were purchased in 2003 and 2004 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. The Sleeping Turtles Preserve is named after a landmark on the Myakka River noted on naval maps from the 1800’s.

Habitats

Floodplain swamps, pine flatwoods, upland mixed forests, seasonal wetlands

Acreage

174 acres

Watershed

Myakka River

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by Sarasota County

Website

www.scgov.net

SCAT Bus stop and route

None