The Manasota Scrub Preserve
may not be wildly known, but
those who frequent it seem to
love it; comments from hikers
and mountain bikers are almost
always positive. Hikers, walkers
and runners enjoy the fact there
is more shade at this park than
others, and several benches. One
cross-country runner did say that
one must be careful to watch for
small stumps and roots along the
path.
Birdwatchers call it a “hidden
gem,” and birds spotted there
include pileated and red-
bellied woodpeckers, many types
of thrushes, ovenbirds, mottled
ducks, warblers, owls, herons and
other waterbirds ... even a tufted
titmouse or two. Others have
spotted many types of moths and
butterfl ies – more than likely due
to the variety of wildfl owers that
grow there – including zebra
swallowtails, the common
buckeye, and little yellow sulphur
butterfl ies. Hikers have also
reported spotting opossums,
bobcats, rabbits, wild hogs,
snakes, coyotes, foxes and other
wildlife in abundance.
This park is a place of peace,
and a place that features a
wondrous display of a variety of
Florida ecosystems – of the
approximately 80 types of wild
communities of growth in the
state, coastal and upland areas
such as ours contain many.
In the face of an ever-burgeoning
population, we must have
places such as Manasota Scrub
Preserve to remind us of what we
are missing, and how things used
to be.
80 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • July/August • 2020
Amenities:
• Comfort areas
• Trail benches
• Picnic areas
• Tables
• Unpaved Hiking/Walking Trails
Preparing to visit:
Bring water, sunblock, bug spray and good shoes.
Keep in mind that some trails may fl ood after heavy rains.
Remember that there are no trash containers at the park.
Everything you take into the park must go home with you.
Park hours are 6 a.m. until sunset.
For a map of the park go to:
scgov.net
2695 Bridge St.Englewood • (941) 861-5000
You can also fi nd them on Facebook
/scgov.net
