Please join us for a visit to Walton Ranch in Sarasota County. This land was purchased in 2010 for conservation purposes and includes marshes, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and pastureland. There are 3,760 acres of park land and 19 miles of trails. Walton Ranch is located at 7020 North Toledo Blade Blvd. in North Port, Fl. To get there you can take 1-75 to exit 179 and head north on North Toledo Blade Blvd., 1.2 miles. The road dead-ends at the entrance to the park. In .3 miles you will find the parking lot on the right . We will meet there at 8 AM.  Be prepared to walk about 2-3 miles on sometimes uneven trails  Since we will be traveling through several different habitats we hope to see a variety of birds including Bald Eagles, woodpeckers, and warblers. There is a marsh along the trail that has egrets, herons, ducks, grebes, and other water birds. We hope to see deer feeding at the edge of the woods. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, insect spray, a hat, and wear hiking shoes. If you have any questions please call Phyllis Cady at 941-286-7638. To find out more about Walton Ranch you can visit their website at https://www.scgov.net/parks/Pages/WaltonRanch.aspx

We hope you can join us!

Write-up by Phyllis Cady.

Photos by Barney B.