South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
These lands protect the water quality and estuary of Lemon Bay - a State Aquatic Preserve.
The Story
Lemon Bay Preserve is a priority site for the Sarasota County Environmentally Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Big Waters assisted Sarasota County, acting as its acquisition agent, in acquiring three important parcels to expand and further protect the preserve and Lemon Bay.
This preserve contains a variety of coastal habitats including tidal swamp, tidal marsh, coastal hammock, and upland communities, such as mesic and scrubby flatwoods.
Why it Matters
South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve contains some of the last remaining undeveloped bay shorelines in Sarasota County. These lands protect the water quality and estuary of Lemon Bay, a State Aquatic Preserve, and provide habitat for many wading birds and game fish. The preserve also contains significant areas of scrub habitat which support families of the endangered Florida Scrub Jay.
Just the Facts
20
acres
Date Acquired
2008-2010
- Maritime hammock, salt marsh, scrub, and mesic flatwoods
- Owned and managed by Sarasota County
Open to the Public
Getting There
The park is accessible at two locations: 5472 Kenisco Road and 6200 Osprey Road, Venice. For directions, hours, rules, and more information visit the Sarasota County website: South Lemon Bay – Sarasota County website.
ConnectivityHabitat/Wildlife
