A view from the observation platform
Whether you choose to scale the stairs and enjoy the view
from the summit of the observation platform, or remain rmly
grounded below, the view from this spot is breath taking. From
here you can see the “Heart” of Duette, stretching out for
what seems like miles, an endless landscape of pure Floridian
wilderness. Closest to the platform, to the east, is the high and
dry scrub. Trees here are low and shrubby, unable to attain
heights due to the poorly nourished soil. Immediately below
the platform and to the south and west, young pine trees are
popping up. Planted by volunteers, these will soon grow up
and restore the canopy of longleaf pine atwoods. Far in the
distance, the darker greens indicate hardwood hammocks and
lusher areas of vegetation along the river’s edge.
This is the nal stop in this self-guided tour of Duette Preserve,
but your journey does not have to end here. Duette Preserve has
miles of trails left to explore, winding through atwoods, palmetto
prairie, scrub, and river’s edge habitats. Beyond the preserve’s
borders, discover nearby Headwaters Preserve and see the very
beginning of the mighty Manatee River, or travel northwest to
nd Moody Branch Preserve and connect with gopher tortoises
and the rarely seen fence lizard. Travel west to the coast and
connect with Manatee County’s early prehistoric AmerIndians at
Emerson Point Preserve, scale the observation tower at world
famous Robinson Preserve, or take a peek at feathered iers
in the shady secluded bird blind at Perico Preserve. Whichever
spot you choose to visit, Manatee County has an amazing
assortment of wild spaces and natural places waiting to be
explored.
p
Longleaf Pine
(Grass Stage)
Photo by PNRD Staff
Swallowtail Kite
Photo by Billie Knight
Meadowlark
Photo by Billie Knight
Eastern Towhee
Photo by Billie Knight