Red Bug Slough Preserve

개요

This 72-acre preserve was purchased in 2000 and 2001 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program with funding assistance provided by Florida Communities Trust. Red Bug Slough Preserve is a remnant piece of natural Florida nestled in the midst of suburban Sarasota.

While exploring the preserve’s network of trails, visitors may see diverse natural communities – including hammocks, pine flatwoods, a small basin swamp and Red Bug Slough itself. Visitors can also observe grey squirrels, marsh rabbits, river otters, an occasional alligator and an assortment of songbirds and wildflowers, such as, partridge pea and frostweed.
The preserve has several miles of hiking trails, a small playground, picnic shelters and a fishing dock.
The hiking trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors.
Water, sunblock, a rain jacket, insect repellant and sturdy shoes are recommended for hiking.
Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several trails may be wet year-round where they cross creeks and ditches.
The preserve has limited parking and a walk-thru gate near the Beneva Road entrance and is accessible on foot or by bicycle at several other walk-thru entrances.

Leashed pets are permitted on trails and in public use areas.

For more information about Red Bug Slough Preserve, call 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.

Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) program invites you to explore ways you can make your neighborhood a better place for people, wildlife and our water resources. NESTs are voluntary associations of people – neighbors, civic groups, student organizations and others – who want to better understand and improve environmental conditions in their watershed. Sarasota County can help you create your own NEST, or you can join one that already exists, based on your ideas and interest.

Visit Green Sarasota
updated 06/2016 by SCGM Transition Team Member