This living, breathing, thriving ecosystem has been carefully preserved to keep the abundance of flora and fauna safe from the destruction of mankind’s development. This 3190 acre wetland reserve consists mainly of mangroves, with rivers running throughout and lakes taking up a significant portion of the land. Strap on your walking boots or grab your paddle to explore this preserve on foot or by kayak. Numerous kayaking trails network through the area, along mangrove channels that are shared with dolphins, manatees and countless fishes including redfish, sea trout, flounder and sheepshead. This variety makes the spot popular for fishing, where you can cast out your line and spend a day lazily floating, waiting for your next meal to bite the bait.

Paved walking trails run throughout, and an elevated boardwalk will allow you to explore the swamp areas that are more overgrown. The boardwalk takes you to two viewing towers, from which the scenes of the undisturbed marshland can be fully absorbed, and you can also get a bird’s eye view of Tampa Bay itself. Simply sit in the shade and feel the pulsing heart of nature all around you, or bring a pair of binoculars and join in with the many other avid bird watchers in attempting to spot the rare species that reside here. Immerse yourself in the wild, unkempt diversity of wildlife and let yourself be rejuvenated by mother nature.