Upper Myakka Preserve

The gateway to Myakka River State Park, this preserve is critical to the well-being of all those downstream.

The Story

This 66-acre property was initially purchased and permanently conserved in 2000 by the Myakka Conservancy with a nationally-competitive grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Its critical location in eastern Sarasota County at the Manatee County line makes it the entrance to the Wild & Scenic portion of the Myakka River. Due to continuing conservation efforts along the river, it is now surrounded on three sides by conservation land: Crowley Museum, Triangle Ranch, and Myakka River State Park. The land was transferred to Big Waters in July 2018 to continue its conservation management permanently.

Why it Matters

This riverfront property was conserved to protect and restore land and wetlands along the Myakka River to provide critical, high-quality habitat for migrating waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and neotropical birds. This portion of The Wild and Scenic Myakka River is a breathtaking place to visit. Our Upper Myakka River Preserve protects more than one mile of river shoreline and more than 60 acres of floodplain wetlands that are critical for the water quality and diversity of wildlife in and around the river. Only 37 miles of the 66-mile Myakka River are designated Wild and Scenic by the state of Florida due to their exceptional natural character. The Myakka River is a major source of fresh water to the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary and the Gulf of Mexico.

Just the Facts

66

acres

Date Acquired

July 2018

Protected in 2000, The Myakka Conservancy transferred the holding to Big Waters in July 2018
Mangroves, needle rush marsh, and Wild and Scenic Myakka River
Owned and managed by Big Waters Land Trust

Open to the Public

Getting There

Upper Myakka Preserve is located on the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, in the community of Old Miakka. It is only accessible for special events and organized outings. Continue to watch our website for future events and activities located on this spectacular Myakka River property.

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