Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie, center, cuts the ribbon, officially opening Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Chappie was joined by County Commissioner Betsy Benae, left, Sarasota Bay Estuary director Mark Alderson, John Hood of the Audubon Society, county parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker and county parks and natural resources volunteer coordinator Melissa Nell. Islander Photos: Kristin Swain
More than 150 people are the first to travel the main trail at Perico Preserve. The 176-acre preserve opened to the public May 14.
Devon Straight of Wildlife Inc. releases an osprey May 14 during the grand opening festivities at Perico Preserve. The osprey was rescued from Key Royale on Anna Maria Island during a recent rainstorm.
Visitors explore the main trail May 14 at Perico Preserve. The 1.5 miles of trail in the preserve are open primarily to walkers and bird watchers. Bicycles are allowed on part of the main trail. Dogs are not allowed at the preserve, which is designed to protect birds.
Manatee County parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker readies to cut the ribbon, officially opening Perico Preserve to the public while Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie, left, looks on.
Devon Straight of Wildlife Inc. releases a red shouldered hawk, rescued from a pool, during the opening of Perico Preserve.
Perico things to know:
Manatee County’s Perico Preserve restoration project began seven years ago on former farmland and 120-acres of preserved mangrove forest on the north side of Manatee Avenue on Perico Island.
The 176-acre preserve has 1.5 miles of trails and boardwalks leading to observation points and various wildlife habitats and a rookery within a 16-acre seagrass habitat.
The total project cost $2 million.
Dogs are not allowed in the preserve, which has been designed as a haven for more than 50 bird species, according to John Hood of the Audubon Society.
With completion of the nearby Robinson Preserve expansion, plans call for a trail connecting the two preserves.
Perico Preserve is at 11700 Manatee Ave. W.
For more information about Perico Preserve, call 941-748-4501 or visit www.mymanatee.org.
— Kristin Swain
