Emerson Point Preserve

Palmetto, Florida: At the mouth of the Manatee River where it flows into the Tampa Bay, lies a haven for humans and wildlife to enjoy. Located on the tip of Snead Island, Emerson Point Preserve is a 365 acre preserve that is home to many native species of plants and animals.

This peninsula in northern Manatee county is surrounded by three bodies of water; the Manatee River, Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia Bay. The abundance of water and the think native vegetation is home to many species of birds and mammals including hawks, osprey, herons and more.

The preserve is also rich in history. Its ideal location made it a popular choice for early Native American tribe. The Portavant Temple Mound is an example of a Native American midden complex. The mound is made up fossilized fish bones, pottery and other discarded items from the tribes. The mound located here is the largest in the region.

Also located within the boundaries of the park are remnants of another past resident. The ruins of a pioneer home are located near the top of the mound. The cabin was built in 1867 by Robert Stewart Griffith, the island’s first pioneer settler.

Today the island is nature preserve operated by the Manatee County Department of Natural Resources. The preserve provides guest with an interpretative look at the regions history, plenty of hiking trails to experience the natural unspoiled Florida wilderness, canoe trail and much more.

There are nine trails accounting for almost seven miles of hiking opportunity. The trails are:

• Beach Walk Trail: trail along the banks of the Tampa Bay, provide picturesque views of downtown St. Petersburg and the Sunshine Skyway.
• Point Replica Mound: short trail with a replica mound that provides an elevated look over the Manatee River and the Tampa Bay.
• Bike Trail: 1 ½ mile paved trail that runs parallel to the parks main driveway.
• Portavant Temple Mound: trail leading to the midden and pioneer home remnants.
• Classroom Trail: leads to the visitor center and classroom.
• Observation Tower Trail: the centerpiece of this trail is the observation tower which provides aerial views of the preserve and surrounding areas.
• Terra Ceia Trail: winds through the woods along the Terra Ceia Bay with several bay overlooks.
• North Restoration Trail: longest wilderness trail in the preserve shows visitor’s the restoration efforts of the preserve and the commitment to removing non-native plants and keeping the park original.
• South Restoration Trail: similar to the North Restoration Trail but much shorter and locate south of the park drive.
  

In addition to the hiking trails, there are several paddle access points that allow you to enjoy the preserve from the water and see another side of the preserve.

The Portavant Temple Mound complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December 1994. The preserve is also a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Emerson Point Preserve is open daily and the visitor’s center is open on Friday and Saturday. There is no charge to visit the preserve.

Click on the photo above for more photos of Emerson Point Preserve.