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This 207-acre
preserve consists of four parcels of land that were purchased in
2003 and 2004 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Protection Program. The Preserve is named after
Sleeping Turtles, a landmark on the Myakka River noted on
naval maps from the 1800’s.
While exploring the
preserve’s network of trails, visitors will see diverse natural
communities- including floodplain swamps, pine flatwoods, upland
mixed forests and seasonal wetlands. Visitors can also observe
gopher tortoises, swallow-tailed kites, alligators and an
assortment of song birds.
The preserve is
split by Border Road with the larger portion of land, parking
area and leashed pet access located on the north side of the
road. The preserve has more than five miles of hiking trails,
including a river trail, which allows for open viewing of the
Wild and Scenic Myakka River.
 The hiking trails are unpaved but
accessible for most visitors. Water, sun block, insect
repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for
hiking. All trail intersections are marked with numbered trail
markers. Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several
trails may be wet year-round where they intersect creeks and
ditches.
The
preserve is open:
7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., April through October
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., November through March
For more information about Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, call 941-861-5000 and ask for
Natural Resources.
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