Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

While exploring the preserve’s network of more than 60 miles of primitive, natural surface trails, visitors will see diverse natural communities such as mesic and scrubby flatwoods, Florida dry prairie, mesic and hydric hammock and wetlands. The preserve supports the threatened Florida scrub-jay and is home to many other wildlife including deer, river otter, bobcat, gopher tortoise and a variety of birds. There are 2 entrances. We will not be at the north entrance 7001 Forbes Trail in Venice.

This 7,335-acre preserve is named after Deer Prairie Creek, a tributary of the ‘Wild and Scenic’ Myakka River that flows through the property. In combination with other protected lands to the north, this preserve provides complete protection of the creek in Sarasota County and nearly six miles of the Myakka River’s east bank. The property is co-owned and co-managed by Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Visitors may…