Emerson Point Preserve

Today I traveled across the bridge and over to Palmetto, Florida to hike along the Emerson Point Preserve. This 365 acre wildlife preserve is located near the Manatee River and the Lower Tampa Bay. I was able to explore the shady mangrove covered trails and the pups could get wet in the water of the river. This preserve is the home of southwest Florida's largest Native American Temple Mound. These mounds were located in the center of a village and served cultural, political, and religious  purposes, including being the burial location for a tribal leader.  It was a great place to hike on this humid day.