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The 256-acre site contains 77 acres of quality scrub habitat. The remainder is pine flatwoods, depression marsh and a large maple swamp. Florida scrub-jays, eastern indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, and a variety of wading birds inhabit the site. Additionally, the rare Florida mouse may also be present.

Importance
The site is important to help preserve Florida’s only endemic bird, the Florida scrub-jay, in the south county area. Once an extensive “scrub island,” this part of the County has been heavily developed leaving only scattered pockets of scrub habitat. Acquiring and managing this site through prescribed burning could help prevent the extirpation of this Florida scrub-jay metapopulation.

Status
The county has acquired four properties totaling 145 acres. The Board of County Commissioners approved Manasota Scrub Preserve as the official name for this site in March 2004. The Grand Opening, supported by The Natural Heritage Program, took place on Feb. 24, 2005. Amenities now include nature trails, boardwalk, interpretive kiosk, benches, and shell parking lot. A Florida Communities Trust grant was awarded for 40% of the acquisition costs ($1,063,394) on the largest parcel.

Public Amenities at Manasota Scrub Preserve