Jelks Preserve - Venice, Florida
Posted by: 
rogueblack
N 27° 05.495 W 082° 20.271
17R E 367365 N 2997284
Jelks Preserve is over 600 acres dedicated to preserving the habitats of native and migrant wildlife. This self-guided tour teaches visitors more.
Waymark Code: WM5K8E
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 01/17/2009
Views: 10
The entrance to Jelks Preserve contains an information center with a detailed map and pamphlets for visitors to take with them on this self-guided tour. The area is ideal for birding and photography enthusiasts.
Above the map is a statement that reads:
This 603.7 acre preserve was purchased for environmental preservation in 1999 by Sarasota County with a significant financial contribution from the Jelks Family Foundation.
As you walk along the trails on the Preserve, you will pass through a variety of native habitats including scrubby flatwoods, pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and seasonal wetlands such as sloughs, marshes and swamps. Portions of the trail provide scenic overlooks along the bank of the Myakka River. The diversity of habitat types present on the preserve supports a wide variety of wildlife species. Animals observed include gopher tortoises, bobwhite quail, Florida scrub-jays, osprey, raccoons, opossums, alligators and an assortment of wading birds. Wildflowers dot the landscape during all seasons of the year with spectacular displays in the late summer and fall months.
The trails are primitive and low volume; they are rated easy to moderately difficult. Large portions of this trail are often flooded during the summer months and after extended periods of heavy rainfall. Rooting by feral hogs can create hazardous conditions for hikers.
The self-guided tour pamphlet, which is clearly labeled as such, guides visitors through the 19 different marked locations that they will easily find along the 3.3-mile walk. This is a popular self-guided tour that is enjoyed by native and migrant
human residents of the area!
Approximate Time to Finish: 2 hours
Brochure or Interpretive Signs: Brochure
Fee?: Not Listed
Addtional Website URL: Not listed
Rate the Walk: Not listed
Wherigo Cartridge: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
A picture at the start of the Trail or Walk is greatly appreciated. Additional photos taken during the course of the walk would also be of great benefit.
If there does not appear to be a defined beginning to the trail or walk, pick a logical place (e.g. close to parking) or where information about the walk or trail can be gathered.