The Venetian is nestled between the natural beauty of the Myakka River and several expansive nature reserves. To the north and east, our community is surrounded by Carlton Reserve, Rocky Ford Preserve, Sleeping Turtles Preserve and Pineland Preserve, offering a serene and scenic environment. Just off Honore Avenue, the Scherer Thaxton Preserve provides a perfect spot to observe local wildlife, including a majestic eagle’s nest. See this map for the Eagles Nests in the vicinity.
The Carlton Reserve (T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve) stands out as the largest county preserve, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore its extensive network of biking, walking, and equestrian trails, launch a boat, set up camp, or enjoy a picnic under the pavilion. Accessible via Border Road—recently reopened after closures due to the 2024 hurricanes—the reserve is once again ready for exploration. In addition to its natural beauty, Carlton is home to North America’s largest electrodialysis reversal water treatment facility. Guided tours of the plant are available for those interested in learning more about this innovative technology.
Rocky Ford Preserve is located along the western side of the Myakka River, directly adjacent to the perimeter road to our north. Environmental protection has precluded development in this area, maintaining the river wild and scenic for future generations. Additionally, the land is now part of over 130,000 acres of conservation lands on the Myakka. This preserve is protected by the Big Waters Land Trust which was an acquisition agent for Sarasota County’s purchase of environmentally sensitive lands protection program. The Rocky Ford Preserve was selected because of its beautiful oak hammocks, shoreline on the Myakka River, and adjacency to other conservation land. The land was purchased in 2008, and effectively absorbed into Pinelands Reserve, according to their website. It is not open to public access at this time. Called “Rocky Ford,” it takes its name from the limestone outcroppings that hang over the water and line the shallow rocky bottom.
Pinelands Preserve, off 4000 Knights Trail Road in Nokomis, is a reserve with an equestrian trail and an unpaved trail for hiking. There are several Eagles Nests in the preserve. According to the Park Status Report, the trailhead is closed at this time while “A new trailhead is being constructed … ”. Estimated opening is Spring 2025. Sighting reports of Birds of Pinelands Reserve are here.
Land for the Scherer Thaxton Preserve was acquired in 1992 to continue the natural landscape and wildlife corridor adjacent to the Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve of the Oscar Scherer State Park. Elsa Scherer Burrows left her family’s ranch to the state in memory of her father, Oscar. Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton, a local Florida scrub jay expert, led the effort to protect additional lands adjacent to the park. This preserve is open to the public and here is a detailed trail map for 13125 Honore Ave, Nokomis.
Along a sleepy section of the Myakka River off Border Road, Sleeping Turtles Preserve North buffers its west side with 174 acres of floodplain swamp, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks.
See this link for Natural Areas and Nature Centers including a guide book