ANNA MARIA ISLAND

From May through October in Florida, sea turtles come ashore to nest. Anna Maria Island is one of the many places in Florida that sea turtles nest on the beaches. Protection of the sea turtles is an important aspect of the island culture.

EMERSON POINT PRESERVE

Emerson Point lies north of the Bradenton river and a as well has harbouring a wide range of wildlife and native plants - it is of historical interest as an ancient Native American Temple Mound lies within its boundaries. There are several boardwalks from which (if you are lucky!) Osprey and Kingfishers can be seen catching their prey.

FELTS PRESERVE

Felts Preserve is managed by the Manatee County Audubon Society. The land was originally donated by Anita and Otis Felts in 2002 with the wish that the land would never be developed. There is currently a long term plan to return the site to it's natural state and use the preserve as an educational centre for all ages.

There have been 158 avian and 33 butterfly species recorded here. The site supports several small ponds, woods and a lake. There is also a bird blind from where you can observe wildlife visiting the feeders and fresh water provided by the volunteers. A great place to while away an hour or two.

NEAL'S PRESERVE

Neals Preserve is situated on Manatee Avenue just before you reach Anna Maria Island and is a fairly new project that opened in April 2014. There are areas of Mangrove and ponds that are reliant on high tides and rainfall for their water source. Local wildlife has soon settled in providing plenty of opportunity to observe song birds, waders and insects including butterflies and dragonflies.

ROBINSON PRESERVE

Robinson Preserve covers appx 600 acres of coastal and wetland with a current expansion programme taking place. There are several trails from which you can see plenty of wildlife including waders, plovers and birds of prey. The park is very popular with joggers, bikers and kayakers but his does not seem to deter the birds and animals from the area.