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Wilderness... Parks & Preserves in Southwest Florida!
DESTINATION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Southwest Florida is truly a Ecological destination
and has the most to offer in Ecology and Related Activities.
Myakka River |
Myakka River State Park - Sarasota
Winter and spring bring flocks of ducks, warblers, wading birds and hawks. It is a time when the waters
of the Myakka River and Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes are at their lowest. The shallow waters entice flocks of wading
birds into a feeding frenzy. A canopy walkway is on a spur trail that goes off of the Boylston Nature Trail. The
entire loop trail takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk at a very leisurely pace.
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota Call for Information: 941-361-6511
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Oscar Scherer |
Oscar Scherer State Park - Sarasota
A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays,
a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread
throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for
hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing.
1843 S. Tamiami Trail - Osprey Call for Information: 941-483-5956
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Carlton Reserve |
T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve - Sarasota
If you're a serious hiker, biker or birdwatcher, you don't want to miss the 24,000-acre T. Mabry
Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve. The Carlton Reserve, just east of Interstate 75, Exit 193. The preserve has more than
eighty miles of hiking trails, including the twelve mile long Myakka Island Wilderness Trail, which connects the
Carlton Reserve with Myakka River State Park. Equestrian trails are also provided though a negative Coggins test is
required for all horses that enter the Reserve. Most trail intersections are marked with numbered trail markers.
For information on obtaining a permit for horseback riding at the preserve, contact the Sarasota County Call
Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Deer Prairie |
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve - Sarasota
The preserve has more than seventy miles of hiking trails, which are unpaved but accessible for most
visitors. All trail intersections are marked with numbered trail markers and certain trails may be shared by hikers,
bicyclists and equestrian users.
For information on obtaining a permit for horseback riding at the preserve, contact the Sarasota County Call
Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.
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Stump Pass |
Stump Pass Beach State Park - Englewood
A hiking trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of
wildlife; covered picnic tables are located along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian
manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigatebirds. Ranger-led turtle walks and
beach nature walks are available in the summer.
Located at the south end of Manasota Key Call for Information: 941-964-0375
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Cayo Costa |
Cayo Costa State Park – Boca Grande
West of North Ft. Myers the island is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry. Five miles
of nature trails provide opportunities for hiking and off-road bicycling. Cayo Costa State Park is located directly
south of Boca Grande and West of Pine Island and N. Ft. Meyers. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat.
The passenger ferry, Tropic Star of Pine Island, departs from Pineland, Florida (Pine Island). Reservations are
required on the ferry service. There is a fee for the ferry service. Call Tropic Star of Pine Island at 239-283-0015.
Boca Grande, Florida Call for Information: 941-964-0375
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Six Mile Slough |
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - Fort Myers
The Six Mile Cypress Slough (pronounced “slew”) is a 2,500 acre wetland that measures approximately 9
miles long and 1/3 mile wide. This linear ecosystem is home to a diverse population of plants and animals, including
a few considered to be endangered. The Slough also serves as a corridor for wildlife by providing a safe route of
travel. Birding is a popular activity, since the Slough is home to several species of songbirds, wading birds and
raptors. Guided walks expose the visitors to the hidden beauties of this unique ecosystem.
7791 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers Call for Information: 239-533-7550
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Around the Bend Nature Tours - Bradenton
941-794-8773
Babcock Wilderness Adventures - Punta Gorda
800-500-5583
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Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood,
and their fabulous Islands of
Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key,
Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice & Manasota Key
are the perfect
home base from which to explore other Florida points of interest! |
Click the Links below for our Recommended Accommodations
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A visit to SW Florida can lead to many return
visits & Eventual Relocation |
Real Estate Information
Recommended Restaurants
A Dozen Good Reasons to make the move to SW Florida...
TOP 12 LIST
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