Sarasota County’s natural lands have been acquired for protection and conservation of their ecological, historical and cultural values. Additionally, the preserves provide the public with numerous opportunities for nature-based recreation and environmental education. Reserves such as the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and the Pinelands Reserve may serve some of these same purposes. However, they also serve other public purposes.

While many parcels within the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program’s priority sites have been purchased, there are still many acres yet to be acquired. Public access to the lands is a priority, and many of the sites purchased have been designated as public preserves providing recreational opportunities. To learn more about the program’s priority sites, refer to the Status Report on the Environmental and Parkland Acquisition Program’s Web page.

While exploring Sarasota County’s natural lands, please remember that land management activities like prescribed burning, exotic plant removal and other habitat restoration may be occurring. Notice of land management activities may be posted.

To learn more about specific land management practices or land acquisitions, visit the links on the left or call 941-861-5000. Visit the following links for information about Regional Mitigation Areas or other Natural Areas.

For information about upcoming nature walks, click the Calendar of Events link in the upper right hand corner of the page, select “Nature Walks” from the “All Events” drop down menu and click “GO.”

Click on the names of the natural lands below for more information about each site.