Click to enlarge

The 8,022-acre site contains the full extent of Deer Prairie Creek, except for the headwaters just north of the county line. This creek is a tributary of the Myakka River and protected within the county’s T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Myakka River State Park. Pristine pine flatwoods, hammock, depression marshes, dry prairie and scrub occur on the site.

Importance
Acquisition of this site would protect a large area along the eastern bank of the river from U.S. Highway 41 in south county, through Myakka River State Park to the north. Wildlife includes Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, Florida Sandhill cranes, wood storks, and numerous other wading birds. In addition, the site is potential habitat for the Florida black bear and the Florida panther.

Status
Total acreage protected now totals over 7,300 acres and includes the entire length of Deer Prairie Creek within the county. Much of the remaining acreage has been developed and no longer meets program criteria; therefore, the Deer Prairie Creek site is now substantially complete.

Site acquisitions have also protected the county's second largest extant scrub habitat and over seven miles of Myakka River frontage. In June 2007, the Board of County Commissioners approved Deer Prairie Creek Preserve as the official name for the area south of Interstate 75 that is jointly owned with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The north entrance to the preserve is now open to the public with a parking lot for both cars and horse trailers, two new equestrian loop trails, and access to over 60 miles of hiking trails.

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Trail Map and Brochure
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Equestrian Trails Brochure

Public Amenities at Deer Prairie Creek