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SARASOTA, NATURALLY See Sarasota’s wild side By Sean Davies
The beautiful state parks of Sarasota are perfect for outdoor excursions. With varied ecosystems home to endangered species, there’s always something to discover when exploring the wild side of Sarasota.
Photos courtesy of visitsarasota.com
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK The Myakka River, Florida’s first state-designated wild river, flows through 58 miles of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands that make up Myakka River State Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in the state. The state park is easy to explore in a number of ways. Canoes, kayaks, and bikes are available for rent at the Outpost, the state park’s main place for snacks and supplies. The kayaks are all single-occupant boats better suited for solo paddlers, while each canoe can hold up to three adults or two adults and two children. For any of the boats, the cost is $20 for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour, and there is a $50 deposit that Story continued on page 24
Canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park nonstoplife
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