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This 213-acre
preserve was purchased in 2002 through the Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Florida Communities Trust, a
state program, awarded 40 percent of the acquisition costs of the site.
Navigation maps from the 1800’s identify the stretch of the
Myakka River parallel to this preserve as “Sleeping Turtles”.
Today, one may find “sleeping” turtles basking on fallen trees
along the river.
This is one of the
publicly-owned properties along the Myakka
River, although not one where you can see views of the
river. Currently, there are no trails leading to the river’s
high banks through thick vegetation along the waterfront.
Nevertheless, one can view a variety of upland and wetland
communities along a system of trails and firebreaks. Visitors
may spot resident wildlife such as the gopher tortoise and
bobcat, as well as soaring birds such as swallow-tailed kites
and osprey. An assortment of wildflowers, such as false
foxglove, blazing star, pennyroyal and spider lily may be found
in various locations throughout the preserve.
 The system of
accessible trails is unmarked and includes intimate short loops
as well as service roads and firebreaks. These are unpaved but
accessible for most visitors. Be prepared for Florida’s often
extreme outdoor conditions by bringing water, sun block, a rain
jacket and sturdy shoes. Some trails may flood after heavy
rainfall.
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The preserve has
limited parking along the road shoulders and is
accessible via walk-thru gates at the northeast
corner of the intersection of east Venice Avenue and
north River Road as well as near the northeast
corner of the intersection of north River Road and
the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 75, Exit
191.
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 Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, call 941-861-5000
and ask for
Natural Resources.
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