Why Conservation Matters
By Kendra Gemma
As Manatee County continues to grow and welcome new residents, it’s imperative that some of the land is conserved for current and future generations. Luckily, more than 67,000 acres (and counting!) are permanently protected through federal, state, and local land purchases, as well as private conservation easements.
You might be asking yourself “Why do we need to preserve so much land? Who benefits and why?”
If you’ve ever spent time in a Manatee County preserve or state park, you’ve enjoyed the rewards of conservation efforts. Places like Terra Ceia Preserve State Park exist because of the investment and foresight of agencies like Southwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The next time you go kayaking or hiking, you can thank them and the others who have purchased and manage the land.
Not an outdoorsy person? Conservation also touches our daily lives and those of the plants and animals who live here.
Water, maybe unsurprisingly, is greatly impacted by the environment, and it affects it at the same time. Our water quality is protected by conservation efforts, which also mitigate flooding and prevent soil erosion.
There are financial benefits, too. By hindering overdevelopment, the preservation of land protects property values. Plus, Manatee County attracts ecotourists who come here to explore our natural habitats and many businesses – from hotels to restaurants to tour guides – profit from these adventurous visitors.
Local and migratory animals and native plants thrive in ecosystems that contain a variety of habitats, and many of our preservation areas fit the bill. The 530-acre Rye Preserve in Parrish, for instance, is home to sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks, and the river community. And Bradenton’s Robinson Preserve has a diverse ecosystem of salt marshes, mangroves, tidal creeks, and coastal wetlands. These are just two examples of many in our county.
Recent Acquisitions
Some of Manatee County’s preserves date back decades, but conservation continues today. In 2025, the following three parcels of land were bought by different types of entities:
Manatee County acquired 68 acres along the Manatee River. Called the Crooked River Preserve, it will convert from a former cattle ranch to a recreational area. The county also has plans to restore and enhance the creeks and wetlands.
In October 2025, Big Waters Land Trust, based in Osprey, announced its purchase of 13 acres of land next to Crane Park on the Myakka River. Upland and wetland areas are now protected, along with their inhabitants, including sandhill cranes and gopher tortoises.
Rattlesnake Key, comprised of mangrove islands and underwater land, was purchased last December by a private company that says it will preserve the 724-acre property and practice responsible stewardship.
Conservation matters for us and future generations of Floridians—human, animal, and plants alike. Thankfully, something is being done to protect the lands and water that make our state and county special.