Bay Preserve at Osprey

Big Waters' headquarters, this beautiful park is open to the community as a place of gathering.

The Story

Bay Preserve at Osprey on Little Sarasota Bay was purchased from the Matson family in 2006 using a state Florida Communities Trust grant to create public access to the bay and provide a headquarters for Big Waters Land Trust. The historic home on the property is known as the Burrows-Matson House for its prior owners, both of whom conserved their land for future generations: Elsa Scherer Burrows donated her family’s land to create Oscar Scherer State Park in honor of her father, and the Matsons helped create Bay Preserve at Osprey.

Why it Matters

Bay Preserve is an incredible community park, owned and operated by a Big Waters Land Trust. It is a small oasis nestled next to Historic Spanish Point that provides access to Little Sarasota Bay for kayaking, rowing, fishing, and enjoying spectacular views. Little Sarasota Bay is dotted with mangrove islands that are perfect for kayaking, as well as providing critical habitat for Florida wildlife. Every sort of wading bird can be seen foraging, roosting, or nesting, and game fish such as tarpon and snook spend their early lives hiding among the mangrove roots. Bay Preserve provides an exclusive and inviting location for your wedding, party, or corporate event. Visit our site rental page to learn more.

Open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, free of charge. Public restrooms are available. This is a “leave-no-trace” park – please take out everything you bring in. Note: the property and Burrows-Matson House are occasionally closed for special events. View our upcoming events and closures calendar here.

Just the Facts

4

Acres

Date Acquired

2006

Community park located on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay
Owned and managed by Big Waters Land Trust

Open to the Public

Getting There

Bay Preserve is located at 400 Palmetto Drive, Osprey, west of US-41. From US-41, turn west on Webb St. or W. Oak St., then north on Palmetto Drive. Take Palmetto Drive to its terminus at the shelled parking lot of Bay Preserve.

ConnectivityHabitat/WildlifeOpen to the PublicWater

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