Felts Audubon Preserve

Protecting this land ensures wildlife habitat and provides opportunities for people to get outside!

The Story

In the face of rapidly suburbanizing Manatee County, this farmland was donated by Otis & Anita Felts to the Manatee County Audubon Society when Otis passed away in 2002. His dream was that it would never be developed. Manatee Audubon volunteers have worked tirelessly to return the land to a more natural condition. To safeguard this land and the donor’s wish, Manatee Audubon placed a conservation easement on the property to permanently protect Felts Audubon Preserve. To fund the easement and subsequent stewardship of this wildlife haven, Big Waters raised $50,000 and Manatee Fish & Game pledged a $25,000 matching grant, ensuring that Felts Audubon Preserve remains a nature treasure for the community and the region forever.

Why it Matters

Felts Audubon Preserve remains an environmental education center for people of all ages. The property is a public-access preserve serving the greater Manatee County community with walking trails and bird-watching opportunities throughout a mixture of habitats including basin marsh, pine flatwoods, and mesic hammock. The spectacular Painted Bunting is the signature bird at Felts Audubon Preserve. Together, Manatee County Audubon Society and Big Waters are working to ensure that the property is maintained as vital habitat for birds and other wildlife, and a place for environmental education and enjoyment of the out-of-doors.

For directions, hours, rules, and more information visit Manatee County Audubon Society’s website: Felts Audubon Preserve – Manatee County Audubon Society.

Just the Facts

28

acres

Date Acquired

2022

Manatee County Audubon Society owns and manages the land
Big Waters Land Trust holds the conservation easement
A mixture of habitats provides for a variety of wildlife including 163 bird species and 33 butterfly species