October 10, 2013
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| Tower |
When Bob and I were looking for our new home, there were a
few factors that made us concentrate on NW Bradenton. Proximity to our favorite
beach was first, and Robinson Preserve was second. The house we bought is only
½ mile from this 487-acre wonderland. I walk or bike there almost every day.
Since I’ll be telling stories about my wildlife encounters there, I’d like to
give you a little background.
Robinson Preserve features numerous recreational
opportunities for the community. There are walking and biking nature trails
that wind through open grasslands, mangrove forests and mixed forest along
Tampa Bay. A section of the trail is paved and connects to a large highway that
goes out to the beach. It’s only a short 6-mile bike ride
from the house to the
sand on this path and I often encounter people walking on bikes or
rollerblading. Other trails in the park are made of hard packed shell – great
for walking or biking.
In the middle of the preserve sits a three-story observation
tower that gives a fantastic view of St. Petersburg to the north, Anna Maria
Island to the west, and the surrounding areas of the mainland. You’ll also find
a group camping site, picnic areas, restrooms and a children’s playground.
There is a great kayak, canoe and paddleboard launch and
plenty of mangrove lined water trails to enjoy. Fishing is allowed in certain
areas and the mullet are usually jumping. Some waterways are crossed via wooden bridges.
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| Trail over waterway |
Robinson Preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Raccoon, coyote, fox, bobcat, rabbit and mice are the most common mammals.
Birdlife abounds with wood storks, ibis, anhingas, kingfishers, hawks, osprey,
bald eagles, herons, pelicans, gulls, plovers, woodpeckers, egrets, roseate
spoonbills, cardinals, sparrows, mockingbirds and more! I’ve seen several
species of snakes, frogs, lizards and geckos, as well as fiddler and horseshoe
crabs.
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| Sunny asphalt trail |
The plant life is varied too. Grasses, wildflowers, and
flowering vines cover the ground, while pine, palms, live oak, mangrove, ficus
and seagrape offer shade. I love the fact that the landscape is constantly
changing. Right now there is a gorgeous purple grass blooming.
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| Shady shell trail Robinson Preserve is a pretty special place and I’m so glad that it’s right in our back yard! |
