Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2009 - (Page 23) nature experiences, parks & tours Our area is home to a diverse collection of nature preserves, state parks, historical and archeological sites showcasing many different ecosystems, including salt marshes, beaches, lagoons, grass flats, mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks and semi-upland wooded areas. The paths and walkways through these protected landmarks make it easy to roam by foot or bike and appreciate the natural Florida. Hike, picnic, fish, row or camp your way to a true insider’s view of sea turtles, alligators, wading birds, shore birds, bald eagles, osprey and sand hill cranes. ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH 2213 Ave. B, Bradenton Beach 941-778-5638, www.islandturtles.com A non-profit organization striving for a suitable habitat for sea turtles, people and the eco-system of the island and its surrounding waters. Nesting beach tours available by appointment, weather permitting. Allow 1 hour. Map grid B-5. AROUND THE BEND NATURE TOURS 1815 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton 941-794-8773, www.aroundbend.com Experience Florida hands-on with your own nature guide. Walk a different path or dipnet in the river. Fun for groups of all ages. Youth educational experiences, elderhostel and families. Allow up to 3 hours. Map grid B-4. $-$$ COQUINA BAY WALK AT LEFFIS KEY 2350 Gulf Dr., S., Bradenton Beach 941-748-4501 www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html Located south on the bayside of Anna Maria Island across from Coquina Beach. A pristine, shallow-water habitat. Includes tidal lagoons, a foot bridge and boardwalks for public access. Allow 2 hours. Map grid B-5. DUETTE PRESERVE 2649 Rawls Rd., Duette 941-776-2295 www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html A 25,000 acre inland location featuring pine flatwoods, prairies and rare scrub. A variety of uplands wildlife can be seen within the preserve. Map grid I-2. EMERSON POINT PRESERVE 5801 – 17th St. W., Palmetto 941-721-6885 www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html This 365 acre, state-owned, Manatee County-managed preserve contains a variety of native Florida coastal eco-systems. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, bicycling, fishing and canoeing. Allow up to 5 hours. Map grid D-3. LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK 20007 SR 64 E., Bradenton 941-741-3028 www.floridastateparks.org/lakemanatee A 556 acre recreation area offering a picnic area, swimming area, campground, boat ramp and fishing dock. Boat motors are restricted to 20hp or less and a Florida freshwater fishing license is required. Map grid H-4. $ MADIRA BICKEL MOUND STATE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE Terra Ceia Island, Palmetto 941-723-4536 www.floridastateparks.org/madirabickel The mound is the first site in Florida to become a State archeological site. Archeological excavations have disclosed at least three periods of Native American culture at this site. Map grid D-3. MANATEE SEGWAY TOURS, INC. Downtown Bradenton 941-224-8079, www.manateesegwaytours.com Enjoy a guided Segway tour of the riverfront and downtown Bradenton. Helmets and training provided. Tours last approx. 2 1/2 hours, including training. Only $55 per person. Operating 7 days a week. Map grid D-5. MANATEE VIEWING CENTER 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach 813-228-4289 www.tampaelectric.com/manatee Enjoy a tidal walkway, vibrant Florida plant and bird life, butterfly gardens, an education building and more. And, when the water temperature of Tampa Bay is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees. Map grid F-1. MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK 13208 SR 72, Sarasota 941-361-6511 www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver One of Florida’s largest state parks to hike, fish, camp, kayak, take airboat or tram tours and observe wildlife. The Myakka River flows through 57 square miles of prairie, wetlands and woodlands. Allow 1 hour. Map grid I-9. $-$$ MYAKKA WILDLIFE TOURS 13208 SR 72, Sarasota 941-365-0100, www.myakkariver.org One hour narrated tour aboard the “world’s largest airboat” to see ‘gators in the wild. Land tour is a one hour tram tour through Myakka River State Park. Learn about flora and fauna. Tram runs from Dec. 16 – May 31. Allow 1 hour. Map grid I-9. $-$$. PALMA SOLA BOTANICAL PARK 9800 – 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton 941-761-2866, www.palmasolabp.com Palma Sola Botanical Park provides the community with a unique opportunity to enjoy educational programs, passive recreation and public events in the midst of 10 acres of natural beauty. Map grid C-4. ROBINSON PRESERVE 1690 – 99th St. NW, Bradenton 941-748-4501 www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html Robinson Preserve features paddle and hiking trails, boardwalks, a 40 foot tall observation tower and a Visitors Center. Native salt marsh habitat. Allow 2 hours. Map grid C-4. RYE PRESERVE 751 Rye Wilderness Tr., Parrish 941-776-9000 www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html Located on the Manatee River, Rye Preserve is home to hiking and biking trails, a campground, an interpretive center and a canoe/kayak launch. This historical site includes the Rye Family Cemetery. Allow 1 to 5 hours. Map grid G-2. TERRA CEIA PRESERVE STATE PARK 130 Terra Ceia Rd., Palmetto 941-721-2068, www.floridastateparks.org Protects the original aquatic life of the southern edge of Tampa Bay. There are picnic facilities, hiking trails, and a launch for canoes and kayaks. Map grid D-3. trees & plants Crotons Philodendron Orchid Trees Pothos Bottlebrush Dieffenbachia Bougainvillea Ferns Mangos Pliny Reasoner of Reasoner’s Nursery in Bradenton introduced exotic plants to Florida in the 1800s. JOAN M. DURANTE PARK 5550 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key 941-316-1988, www.longboatkey.org This park features a pavilion, walking trails, children’s playground, and restroom facilities. Map grid C-7. Price: $=under $8, $$=$8 -$14, $$$=$15 - $24, $$$$=$25+ 23 http://www.islandturtles.com http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakemanatee http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html http://www.floridastateparks.org/ http://www.aroundbend.com http://www.manateesegwaytours.com http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html http://www.floridastateparks.org http://www.tampaelectric.com/manatee http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver http://www.mymanatee.org/conservation.html http://www.myakkariver.org http://www.palmasolabp.com http://www.longboatkey.org
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