Crowley Museum & Nature Center

Part of the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh, protecting this cultural site ensures Jasper Crowley’s legacy for generations to come.

The Story

Part of a farmstead originally established in 1878, this 191-acre slice of Old Florida has served the community as a natural and cultural museum for more than 40 years. Now, thanks to a collaboration between museum leadership, Big Waters Land Trust, and Sarasota County, the museum’s 191 acres of Old Florida are permanently protected, ensuring Jasper Crowley’s legacy for generations to come.

Why it Matters

The property is a birding hotspot and a portion of the land is part of the largest floodplain marsh in the Myakka River basin, Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. A discovery path offers hands-on learning opportunities for children and a half-mile boardwalk takes visitors through five Florida habitats including Maple Swamp. The boardwalk ends with a two-story observation tower overlooking the Myakka River and Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. Visitors are invited to discover the history of early Florida settlers as they explore the museum and authentic pioneer buildings. Thousands of school children learn the Native and pioneer settlement history of Florida each year, guided by knowledgeable instructors leading hands-on and immersive educational experiences and activities. Heritage breed, rescued, and adopted livestock aid in teaching the fundamentals of sustainable agriculture and proper stewardship.

Need to Know

Crowley Museum & Nature Center is open the public Thursday through Sunday. Learn more at crowleyfl.org.

Just the Facts

191

acres

Date Acquired

2022

Located on the Wild and Scenic Myakka River in the Old Miakka community of eastern Sarasota County
Connects to over 130,000 acres of protected land known as the Myakka Island Conservation Corridor
Big Waters worked with museum leadership and Sarasota County to facilitate the County’s conservation easement purchase utilizing funds from the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Land Protection Program