(See Starkey Wilderness Preserve for overall information.)
Size
6,533 acres
Location
Western Pasco County, east of New Port Richey
About the Property
Managed by the District for nature-based recreational opportunities, this property’s prominent natural communities include pine flatwoods, cypress domes, freshwater marshes, stream and lake swamps, sandhill and scrub. The 2,300 acres of wetland communities in Serenova combine with the wetlands in Starkey Wilderness Park to form a connected 6,000-acre wetland ecosystem spread throughout approximately 18,000 acres of conservation lands. Due to the public acquisition of these lands, this large wetland system continues to function as an intact ecosystem. This vast network of scattered wetlands become interconnected during periods of high water levels and serve as vital life cycle linkages for many wetland-dependent species.
Like many District properties, this tract serves as a natural buffer for one of the region’s primary freshwater resources, the Pithlachascotee River. The lands protect water quality by serving as a recharge area for a regional well field and act as a natural filter of surface water as it flows across the landscape into the Pithlachascotee River. Another less visible benefit of these lands is the vital link they play in assuring that the Gulf of Mexico receives the clean fresh water that is needed to maintain the long-term health of the coastal estuaries. Without a source of clean fresh water, the estuaries could not serve as the vital link in the life cycle of numerous species of birds; aquatic plants, such as seagrass; and popular fish species, such as redfish, sea trout and mullet.
Access and Parking
Entrance located in central Pasco County off SR 52 just west of Suncoast Parkway across from Hayes Road. Entrance on south side of road.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilet and non-potable water source available in equestrian camping area.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
- 18 miles of shared-use trails available. Trails may be wet or impassable in some sections after heavy rains.
- Riders must stay on marked trails.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Camping
- Primitive and group/equestrian campsites available (see map):
1. Crocket group and equestrian camp
2. Primitive - Free permit required to camp.
- Campgrounds equipped with picnic shelters, tables and fire rings.
- Non-potable water and portable toilet available at equestrian section of group campground.
- Group campground located on unimproved road and may be impassable at times due to heavy rains. Access to campground is not recommended with passenger car.
Equestrian Use
- 18-mile shared-use trail available.
- Equestrian parking area available near main gate off SR 52.
- Horse-drawn buggy riding allowed on marked trails with permit.
- Proof of current negative Coggins test must be carried by each rider.
Fishing
- All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted closed.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for license requirements.
Hiking
18 miles of shared-use trails.
Nearby Recreation Lands
J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
