A Bit of Old Florida in Sarasota

Path in Red Bug Slough Preserve

In the good old pre-virus days, when I was out and about and spent a lot of time in my car, I'd occasionally drive by Red Bug Slough Preserve. I was never tempted to stop and check it out despite its location mere minutes from my home. Really, could any name be less appealing?  Happily, I relented when my nature-loving friend Deb suggested a walk in the Preserve (with appropriate social distancing, of course).  It's a bit of old Florida right here in Sarasota.

Before I get into what's nice about the Preserve, let's talk about the name. A slough (pronounced "sloo") is a broad, shallow channel filled with flowing water except during extreme periods of drought. In the case of the Preserve, a series of marshes was channelized to facilitate water flow into the Phillippi Creek Watershed, which in turn flows into Roberts Bay. So that's the "slough" part of the name. There doesn't, however, seem to be a definitive answer as to why "red bug" was included in the name of the Preserve. It's thought to be a reference to a tiny red mite known as a red bug that can found in dry, sunny, open areas. I guess it's better than "Skeeter Drain," a moniker locals are said to use from time to time. (No mosquitoes have yet to make their presence known during my visits.) Really, though, couldn't the people who created the Preserve come up with a name more reflective of its beauty?

"Anyone for a worm?"

The Preserve's 72 acres provide a playground for local wildlife and birds. It's not unusual to see freshwater turtles and birds like this anhinga, which cooperatively posed while enjoying its breakfast and airing its somewhat worse for wear wings. (The Preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're a birder.) I haven't yet come across more exotic creatures like river otters and gators, but Deb assures me they're there.

Nor have I encountered four-legged animals like raccoons and bobcats that prowl the Preserve, and that's okay with me. Again, Deb verified that these animals frequent the area. In fact, one of her neighbors recently found a dead bobcat in her yard. Since it wasn't alive, dealing with the remains was outside the responsibility of animal control. The neighbor was advised either to put the bobcat's body in the trash or bury it. It received a proper burial. But I digress.

The Preserve features a small lake in addition to the slough.

While it's nice to come upon a feeding bird or some frolicking fish (yes, fish do frolic), it's the peacefulness and natural beauty of the Preserve that makes me return. There's something majestic about the towering oak trees laden with Spanish moss (which I just learned is a type of bromeliad). Especially in this strange time, walking the trails makes my body--and mind--relax and say "ahhhh."

The Preserve was acquired for environmental preservation at the turn of the century (which was already 20 years ago!) through Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. Other purchases through the program include Lemon Bay Preserve, Warm Mineral Springs and Old Miakka Preserve (not to be confused with Myakka River State Park). Since the Program's inception, Sarasota County has made 71 acquisitions totaling more than 35,000 acres.

"Hello!"

The ESLPP is voter-approved and funded primarily through local tax dollars. But the State and other non-profit land protection organizations have contributed to the acquisition and improvement of some of these properties, including Red Bug Slough Preserve. Funding for the purchase of the Preserve was made available through the Forever Florida project. Forever Florida is the State's conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. The program is the largest of its kind in the U.S., with more than 2.5 million acres purchased under Forever Florida and its precursor, Preservation 2000. The Nature Conservancy was also tapped to provide funding for some of the Preserve's amenities, including picnic tables which I'm most hopeful people will be able to safely use again in the near future.

This is an unprecedented time in all of our lives. I feel fortunate to live in a place with plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. If you're in the area, add Red Bug Slough Preserve to the rotation of places to walk. You won't be disappointed.