PRESERVES - Restoring Natural Habitats Along the Gulf of Mexico

Osprey

Waterway, boardwalk, and bridges protect natural habitat

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Durante Park, a 32 acre site along Sarasota Bay was donated by a local physician in memory of his wife. To restore the natural habitat, structures in the area were removed, invasive species cleaned out, and additional native plant species were planted to supplement those already present.  This wetland treasure provides many looped walking trails among the mangroves and small coastal hammocks.  From the observation boardwalks extending into the bay we saw the forest succession of red, black, and white mangroves and then many birds, including herons, ospreys, pelicans and even an eagle.  Fish swam in the shallow tidal streams which laced their way through the mangroves.

The approximate 400 acre Robinson Preserve in Bradenton just north of Longboat Key and Sarasota had miles of trails covering similar habitat as Durante Park.  While Tampa Bay has lost about 90% of its shoreline to development, the remaining 10% of the shoreline provides the wetlands necessary for the local fishes, birds and water plant life.  For example, the mangroves are critical for the filtration of the bay waters while at the same time providing protected breeding grounds for birds and fish. 

And so we have found that the west coast of Florida is more than long beautiful beaches extending north and south as far as the eye can see.  It is also more than rows of condominiums for Snow-Birds who come during the winter months.  It is an ecological resource for all to enjoy and treasure.