94 acres purchased July 2024

Emerson Point Preserve Expansion is located on Snead Island, adjacent to the northeast side of the existing Emerson Point Preserve. This unique coastal property has ½ mile of mangrove shoreline on Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve (an Outstanding Florida Water). The site includes 54 acres of pasture previously used for crops and approximately 40 acres of wetlands. The landscape provides an opportunity to restore a tidal creek, coastal wetlands and coastal uplands, which will benefit the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve estuary. Improvements include sportfish habitat, ecosystem diversity, and habitat migration corridors.

Public recreational opportunities will include hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing and birding. Environmental education, camps and community events may be held. Restrooms, parking and a pavilion may be provided. New trail on the Expansion property will connect with existing Emerson Point Preserve trails. Interpretative signage about the area’s indigenous peoples, agricultural history, and more recent cattle grazing and fishing is anticipated. The iconic heart-shaped wetland is remnant of ditches that drained the historic wetland for agricultural purposes. The property contains a small house built in 1937, which has historically served as a homesite and fish camp.

Emerson Point Preserve Expansion Site Plan