This 132-acre preserve, purchased in 2006 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, is named after Old Miakka, the historic rural community where the preserve is located.

While exploring the preserve’s network of trails, visitors may see diverse natural communities – including scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. Visitors can also observe gopher tortoises, swallowtail butterflies, an assortment of song birds and wildflowers, such as, spiderwort and beautyberry.

The preserve has more than four miles of hiking trails, including the 1.5 mile long Tim Cash Loop Trail. The hiking trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors. Water, sun block, insect repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for hiking. All trail intersections are marked with numbered trail markers. Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several trails may be wet year-round where crossing creeks and ditches.

• The preserve has limited parking and is accessible via a walk-thru gate.

Preserve hours are:

7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., April through October
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., November through March

For more information about Old Miakka Preserve, call 941-861-5000 and ask for Natural Resources.