Trail Map

1049 Morningside Drive, Englewood

This 146-acre preserve consists of two parcels of land that were acquired by Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program in February 2004 and February 2006. The region has historical associations with cattle ranching and vegetable farming.

Visitors can observe various natural habitats- including the tidal creek, slash and longleaf pine flatwoods, mesic hammock, seasonal wetlands, marshes, mangrove tidal swamp and tidal strands. While hiking the trails, one might hear barred owls or see osprey flying above, observe fiddler crabs, jumping mullet and an array of wildflowers, such as swamp sunflower, rosinweed and wild petunia.

The trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors. Visitors should bring water, sun block, sturdy shoes, insect repellant and perhaps a rain jacket while exploring the preserve. Trail intersections are marked with numbered trail markers. Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall or cross low lying areas and therefore be wet most of the year.

Preserve hours are:
7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., April through October
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., November through March

For more information about the Ainger Creek Trails, call 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.