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The 1,391-acre site on the west side of the Myakka River has three miles of river frontage. The site is mostly pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and depression wetlands. Bald eagles, wood storks and various wading birds inhabit this area. Florida panther have been documented on this site.

Importance
This site is contiguous with the county’s Pinelands Reserve on the west side of the river, Myakka River State Park on the north and east, and the County’s T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve on the southeast.

Status
146 acres of the Venice Minerals tract purchased by the county on Oct. 26, 2004 was paid for through ESLPP funding. This acreage provides a buffer to land already protected within the Rocky Ford site. With this acquisition, over 950 acres have been protected, including nearly two miles of river frontage. Negotiations are continuing with landowners regarding various options for land protection.

Public Amenities at Rocky Ford