Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
3462 Border Road, Venice

This 174-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 parking area and leashed pet access located ONLY on the north side of the road. Dogs are NOT allowed at the portion south of Border 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.