Carlton Reserve is on ABC7 WWSB

Discovering the Suncoast

with Mike Modrick

Click image to view

The Carlton segment is about 9 minutes into the broadcast and covers the law enforcement search, Hurricane damage, flooding, the Memorial Day 2021 wildfire and Fire Fest 2023

Crested Caracara

Photo by Jim Bencivenga

Shed replacement

after 2021 Memorial Day wildfire 

NOTE: NEW DATES, time change and registration contact ADDED!!! 

NATURE HIKE - BEGINNING BIRDING/PHOTOGRAPHY:

This event is sponsored by Sarasota County.

Join Sarasota County volunteer, Jim Bencivenga, for a short quiet hike at the Carlton Reserve. We will travel slowly and quietly, stopping for photo-ops as we go, taking in what nature has to offer that day. While we enjoy the serenity of this wonderful wilderness, we'll teach you some of the basics of birding as well as give you some photography ideas. 

We will cover up to 2 miles of natural trails. Participants must be able to hike, unassisted, over uneven/rough/potentially slippery and/or wet, muddy terrain. 

Wear/bring long pants, long sleeves, backpack, hiking poles, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, camera/smart phone, Binoculars (optional but highly recommended), hiking boots (or other suitable close-toed shoes with good traction, that may get wet/muddy).

Dates: Tuesdays, March 14,21,28, 2023

Time: 8:00 am. 

Duration: 2 - 3 hours.

Number of participants: This hike is for up to 4 adult participants. You must be over 18 years old for this program! with your name(s) and best phone number to return your call. He will call/text you back to confirm the date and let you know where to meet.

Please register by contacting Jim at Jbencivenga948@gmail.com - email with your name(s) and best phone number to call/text. He will email/text you back to confirm your spot(s) and the date and let you know where to meet. 

This is part of Carlton Reserve's "Take A Hike" program.

Recent Closure of Carlton Reserve 2/9/2023

USDA Feral Swine Eradication Report

Fire Fest 2023

Sarasota County

photos by Jean-Louis Dumaine

ABC7:  Mike Modrick interviews  Joyce Adams and Sherm Stratton

in the Carlton Reserve

Click here

Despite closures due to COVID, wildfire, flooding, and a month-long manhunt, the Carlton Reserve's priceless serenity is a sanctuary, reminding us of nature's ability to renew itself and us.

Click on picture or here to view 4 minute video using trail cam captures.

Amazing half hour video

captured by Jacob Klasinski documents not only the dynamic Carlton Reserve environment as it transitions from drought to flood, but also its rich biodiversity of wildlife and habitats: coyotes, owls, bobcats, alligators, herons, egrets, hogs, deer, otter, vultures, raccoons--even crayfish and fish! Click on video  

"Queen of the Marsh"

new trail camera video

alligator and other wildlife from the Carlton Reserve

by Jacob Klasinski

More great trail camera video

from the Carlton Reserve and Big Slough

by Jacob Klasinski

Click on photo

New trail camera video footage 

from Jacob Klasinski

Carlton Reserve Wildlife:

coyotes, deer, turkey, bobcat, feral hogs, etc.

Click here or on photo

"You are here" map kiosks (12) have been installed in the Carlton Reserve to assist trail users along 100 miles of trails crisscross 38 sq. miles.

12 UV resistant signs were designed by Debbie Blanco (retired 10/30/20), funded by Friends of the Carlton, printed by H&H Signs, and installed today by Russ Johnson and Art Smith.

Trail Camera Video

Friends of the Carlton Reserve

Trail camera team: Donna Day, Ernie Winn, Martin Siesta funded by Friends of the Carlton Reserve

Click on picture or here for video

MacroPhotography Gallery

by Randy Stapleton

Who knew?

The lowly palmetto (serenoa repens) may be as much as 10,000 years old!

Click here to read Florida Native Plant Society "Palmettos" issue 

E.O. Wilson explains why parks and nature are really good for your brain: Washington Post

So when the Washington Post asked Wilson what he thought about the mechanism by which these environments relax, rejuvenate and restore people. His answer was simple but pretty sweeping at the same time.

“Instinctively, without understanding what’s happening, they know that in certain wild environments, they have come home.” 

Click here for latest additions to 

The Florida Field Journal

by Darryl Saffer

Darryl Saffer has given voice to one of our own-- Grandmother Oak located in the Carlton Reserve

 CLICK HERE

Darryl Saffer video essay on MRSP

 Not Long Ago

     We are a 501(C)3 community support organization whose mission is to support the parks and natural lands of Sarasota County, Florida.

      With 24,565 acres  on the state protected "wild and scenic" Myakka River, the Carlton Reserve has over 90 miles of trails and nearly 40 square miles for wilderness recreation:

• hiking
• biking
• paddling
• horseback riding
• reserved camping on a limited basis at designated sites.

The Carlton Reserve is wilderness habitat/environmentally sensitive land:  

No pets     No hunting 

Ordinances, Resolutions and State Laws Protecting the Carlton