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.

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 is refunded when the boat is returned. Life jackets and paddles/oars are provided.

In addition to single bicycles, tandem bicycles and children’s bicycles are also available to rent, and helmets are provided. The camp store also offers a wide assortment of grocery items, camping supplies, ice, firewood and fishing gear for purchase.

The Pink Gator Cafe attached to the Outpost serves a variety of food like sandwiches, wraps, hotdogs and more, as well as popular sides such as onion rings and jalapeno poppers. It is famous for delicious fresh homemade offerings, especially the alligator stew and seafood gumbo.

Motorized excursions are also available, as Myakka River State Park hosts boat and tram tours every day, weather permitting. Led by knowledgeable staff, the tour leads visitors out into the diverse natural landscape to educate visitors about the flora and fauna that define the local ecosystem.

Legacy Trail

The 12-mile bicycle trail from Venice to Sarasota connects to some of Sarasota County’s beautiful parks, beaches, waterways and community gardens. Bikes, skateboards, roller blades and even dogs are welcome! Wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, songbirds, butterflies and an occasional otter can all be seen on a stroll along the trail.

In addition to 15 rest areas and seven trailheads with free parking, the Legacy Trail also connects to Oscar Scherer State Park.

Oscar Scherer State Park

With 15 miles of trails, Oscar Scherer State Park is a popular stop for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail. The park is an invaluable location for local wildlife and has played a huge part in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. It’s also an amazing place to see bald eagles, which nest within its boundaries in the winter.

South Creek, which runs through the park, is a great spot for canoeing and kayaking. Guided paddles take guests on a journey that winds through the whole park. Talented tour guides lead a program that covers the estuarine critters, mangroves and the park’s history. Since South Creek is a tidal estuary, water may sometimes be too shallow for paddling. Thankfully, guided walks along South Creek are also offered, just in case.

Oscar Scherer’s interpretive nature center is located adjacent to Lake Osprey, a short walk over the bridge from the campground. The small gift shop has trail maps, program brochures and local highlights to aid adventurers in getting the most out of their excursions. Realistic dioramas with some of the park’s fascinating wildlife and programs about the local area, park history and wildlife add even more context to the trip. visitsarasota.com