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The 1,926-acre site stretches north from Myakka River State Park. Scrub and scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, mesic hammock, hardwood swamp and marsh all occur on the site.

Importance
The site links the Crowley Museum and Nature Center to the Myakka River State Park on the south and extends north to the eastern terminus of Fruitville Road. Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, raptors and Sherman’s fox squirrels have all been observed on the site. In addition, the wetland areas provide suitable habitat for a variety of wading birds.

Status
A 129-acre parcel located at the eastern terminus of Fruitville Road was the first ESLPP acquisition within this site (Aug. 31, 2006). It protects a rich diversity of quality scrub and wetland habitats. In cooperation with Neighborhood Services and their Old Miakka Neighborhood Plan, future planned improvements include completion of fencing, installation of a small parking area, a loop trail and an entry sign. The Board of County Commissioners approved ‘Old Miakka Preserve’ as the official name for this site and ‘Tim Cash Trail’ for a future loop trail on April 25, 2007.

Non-profit conservation organizations acquired a 68-acre property in 2000 and an adjacent 40-acre property in 2001 at no cost to the county. These properties link Myakka River State Park to the Crowley Museum and Nature Center.

Old Miakka Preserve Trail Map

Public Amenities at Old Miakka Preserve