Let’s
Go Wild! Discover the flora, fauna,
and history of Manatee County’s natural habitats with Around the Bend Nature
Tours. Join us for this free tour
through Florida Scrub at Rye Wilderness Park and Florida Dry Prairie at Duette
Park.
Come
enjoy the cool weather and learn to identify local wildflowers, plants and
animals. “Besides the Coastal
lands, we also need to save what is left of our Florida Scrub—high, dry and
easy to bulldoze,” said Karen Fraley, naturalist and owner of Around the Bend
Nature Tours.
You
will also discover the pioneer history of the Rye Settlement and the historical
uses of the Duette Dry Prairie area.
Directions:
The
Florida Scrub section of the tour begins at 9 a.m. at Rye Wilderness Park off of
SR 64, 4 miles east of I-75. Take
Rye Road north 4 miles from SR 64. There
is a subdivision by the name “Rye Wilderness” before you reach the
park—continue past it about a mile. To
enter the park, cross the small bridge that spans the Manatee River and the
entrance will be on the right.
The
Florida Dry Prairie section of the tour will commence at Duette Park.
Participants will caravan from Rye Wilderness to Duette Park.
Tour is free and open to the public, sponsored by Manatee County Conservation Lands Division.