Sleeping Turtles Preserve South

Vue d'ensemble

This 213-acre preserve was purchased in 2002 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Florida Communities Trust, a state program, awarded 40 percent of the acquisition costs of the site. Navigation maps from the 1800’s identify the stretch of the Myakka River parallel to this preserve as “Sleeping Turtles”. Today, one may find “sleeping” turtles basking on fallen trees along the river.

This is one of the publicly-owned properties along the Myakka River, although not one where you can see views of the river. Currently, there are no trails leading to the river’s high banks through thick vegetation along the waterfront. Nevertheless, one can view a variety of upland and wetland communities along a system of trails and firebreaks.

Visitors may spot resident wildlife such as the gopher tortoise and bobcat, as well as soaring birds such as Swallow-Tailed Kites and Osprey. An assortment of wildflowers, such as false foxglove, blazing star, pennyroyal and spider lily may be found in various locations throughout the preserve.
The system of accessible trails is marked and includes intimate short loops as well as service roads and firebreaks.
These are unpaved but accessible for most visitors.
Be prepared for Florida’s often extreme outdoor conditions by bringing water, sun block, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes.
Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall.
The preserve has limited parking along the road shoulders and is accessible via walk-thru gates at the northeast corner of the intersection of east Venice Avenue and North River Road as well as near the northeast corner of the intersection of North River Road and the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 75, Exit 191. ​

Visit Green Sarasota
updated 06/2016 by SCGM Transition Team Member