Animals
Joan M. Durante Park
A unique oasis in an urbanized area, this 32 acre park offers nature trails and boardwalks, with gazebos and a botanical garden on-site as well. The park was restored in the 1990’s to wetlands and coastal hammock...
Ken Thompson Park and New Pass Fishing Pier
The New Pass Fishing Pier or the sandy bayfront beach are popular for fishing. Sarasota Bay Walk provides a half mile boardwalk nature trail through the mangroves. Paved paths wind through the park for jogging with views of...
Legacy Trail
Jump on the ten mile Legacy Trail and travel from Sarasota to Venice, through Oscar Scherer State Park. The paved trail is perfect for bicycling and rollerblading. Wildlife viewing along the trail is excellent – look...
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
This is a marvelous place to see American bald eagles and a variety of local birds. The park also features scenic views of Lemon Bay, a butterfly garden, nature trails and an environmental center. Classes, as well as guided...
Manasota Scrub Preserve
Nestled within a suburban community, this slice of preserved land offers a system of trails running through a variety of upland and wetland habitats. Enter the preserve by crossing a 330 foot boardwalk bordering a wetland....
Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve
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...
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks protecting one of the State's most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through wetlands,...
Myakka State Forest
Myakka State Forest is perfect for those who like to watch wildlife. Over 100 species of birds, including scrub jay and owls have been sighted here and the forest is listed in the southern section of the Great Florida Birding...
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
The natural beauty of this park speaks for itself. As you explore the trails – either by horseback, by foot or by mountain bike – you can experience a piece of Old Florida. Winding, wooded trails weave through a...
Old Miakka Preserve
While exploring the preserve’s network of trails, you will enjoy the diverse habitats found here including scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. This is good place to see gopher tortoises, swallowtail...
