Scherer Thaxton Preserve

Old Miakka Preserve

16 SCHERER THAXTON PRESERVE

13125 Honore Ave. Osprey, 34229 Hours 6 a.m. - Sunset Size 287 acres GPS Coordinates N 27.140614 W -82.416526

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

This property was acquired in 1992 to continue the natural landscape and wildlife corridor adjacent to the Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve of the Oscar Scherer State Park. Elsa Scherer Burrows left her family’s ranch to the state in memory of her father, Oscar. Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton, a local Florida scrubjay expert, led the effort to protect additional lands adjacent to the park.

GETTING THERE

From north: I-75 Exit 200 - SR 681 South toward Venice/Osprey. Go south on SR 681, turn right on Honore Avenue, entrance and parking on left. From south; take U.S. 41 north to Central Sarasota Parkway, turn right, go to Honore Avenue, travel south, entrance and parking on right.

WHAT TO EXPECT

As you hike, keep an eye out for the scarce Florida scrub-jay or a soaring eagle. Habitats include pine flatwoods and depressional wetlands.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Activities: biking, birding, fishing, hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing. • Loop trail around the lake and connecting trails to Oscar Scherer

State Park (entrance fee). Seasonal trail flooding can occur. • A diverse variety of Florida flowering plants and seasonal explosions of color. • Dog-friendly, all dogs must be kept on a hand-held, maximum 6-foot leash

AMENITIES

• Canoe/kayak launch • Interpretive signage • Picnic tables • Trails - unpaved

NEARBY PARKS AND TRAILS

Culverhouse Nature Park, Curry Creek Preserve, The Legacy Trail and Oscar Scherer State Park.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that this preserve depends on flooding and fire? Intermittent floods and fires shape the habitat allowing grasses and wildflowers to dominate the understory.