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This 81-acre
preserve, purchased in 2002 through the Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Protection Program, is named after the Curry
Family, early pioneers that settled the area. In addition to the
natural areas protected within the preserve, Sarasota County
Public Works maintains a 19-acre tidal marsh and tidal swamp
restoration site just north of the creek.
While walking
along the preserve’s trails, visitors may see a variety of
native habitats including mangrove forests, tidal marshes, scrub
and pine flatwoods. Pond apple trees, a rarity in Sarasota
County, can be found in forested areas upstream along the creek.
Visitors may also encounter a variety of wildlife species
such as gopher tortoises, alligators, river otters, eastern
indigo snakes and an assortment of wading birds such as the
roseate spoonbill and wood stork.
Most of the
trails are primitive and rated easy. The trails are unpaved but
accessible for most visitors. Water, sun block, insect
repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for
hiking. Trails may be flooded during the summer months and after
extended periods of heavy rainfall.
- A kayak
launch is located along the creek, near the preserve’s west
entrance.
- The preserve has limited parking and is accessible
via a walk-thru gate.
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 Curry
Creek Preserve, call 941-861-5000 and ask for
Natural
Resources.
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