Photo courtesy of the organization

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announced the permanent protection of 228-acres in Old Miakka, Sarasota County. This land is a critical link between Sarasota County’s Old Miakka Preserve and Conservation Foundation’s Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve, further linking to over 120,000 acres of conserved land protecting the Myakka River. The land has rich and varied landscape including scrubby flatwoods, mesic hammock, blackwater stream, depression marsh and rangeland, which provide habitat for wildlife including gopher tortoises, turkey, quail and air plant-adorned oaks.

The benefits of protecting this strategically-located land extend well beyond its boundaries and impact our region’s water quality, water quantity, and timing of water flows and levels. Approximately one half-mile of stream along with thirty acres of wetlands are located within the property, storing and filtering water that flows into the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh and the Myakka River.

“We are incredibly fortunate that people in our community care so deeply about conservation,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Saving land is getting more difficult and expensive, requiring creativity and more resources. This project is a great example of what’s possible when you have dedicated supporters, a conservation-minded seller, and organizational assets in place.”

The property is not yet open to the public, though those wishing to visit have an exclusive opportunity later this year as it will be the site of Conservation Foundation’s annual fundraising event, Feast Upon the Fields, scheduled for December 5, 2021. To learn more about the event and secure your seat, visit conservationfoundation.com/feast.

Photo courtesy of the organization