On some days, Pinecraft Park feels less like a city park and more like a tiny rainforest that somebody accidentally dropped into the middle of Sarasota. Tucked along the shady banks of Phillippi Creek and wrapped in the quiet hum of the Amish and Mennonite neighborhood around it, this little 15–20 acre patch of mesic […]
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Urfer Family Park (Sarasota, FL)
If Sarasota had a beating green heart tucked inside its suburban chest, it would be Urfer Family Park—a 72-acre blend of pine flatwoods, wetlands, history, wildlife, and playful modern comforts, all stitched together in one of the most walkable nature parks in the county. It’s a place where families picnic, runners jog, toddlers conquer playgrounds, […]
American white ibis (Eudocimus albus)
Greetings, birdwatchers and nature lovers! Today, we’re setting our sights on one of Florida’s most charming and entertaining residents: the American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus). With their graceful movements and quirky behavior, these birds are the comedians of the wetland world, always ready to put on a show. So, grab your binoculars and prepare to […]
Raymond Road Loop
Location: Celery FieldsTrailhead (Google Plus Code): 8HG8+5H Fruitville, FloridaHike Length: 2 milesTime Estimate: one hourHabitats: WetlandsNotes: Lots of bird life! This is an easy walk around some of the best birding in Sarasota. Additionally, there are a variety of plants of interest.
Joan M Durante Community Park (Longboat Key, FL)
Alligator Point
Location: Myakka River State ParkTrailhead (Google Plus Code): 6MWQ+H9 Myakka City, FloridaHike Length: 2 milesTime Estimate: 1- 1.5 hours Notes: Typically a very quiet trail with opportunities to see wildlife. Not the prettiest trail, but many things of interest as you walk next to a cattle ranch.
North Lido Key
Location: Lido KeyTrailhead (Google Plus Code): 8C89+J9 Sarasota, FloridaHike Length: 2.5 milesTime Estimate: two hoursHabitats: Coastal UplandNotes: Beautiful Beach and tidal areas
Bok Tower (Lake Wales, FL)
“Bok Tower — the Taj Mahal of Florida.” With a tag line like that, I didn’t expect much, but the gardens and the estate are beautiful, and well worth the 2+ hour drive to get us there. There are landscapes in Florida that feel like invitations—open-armed gestures from the natural world to slow down, breathe […]