Moody Branch, a 960-acre site, was purchased by Manatee County in 2004 in a cooperative effort with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) thru a grant under the Florida Forever Program of the Florida Communities Trust.
FWC manages the site to integrate the needs for a regional approach to natural resource protection and local, passive public recreation. Towards this end, FWC has undertaken an aggressive restoration plan to improve the habitat for gopher tortoises and the Florida scrub jay.
Location
13805 Taylor Grade Rd
Duette, FL 34219
Map
Hours
Moody Branch Preserve is open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Things to Do
Moody
Branch is actively undergoing restoration. Recreational
amenities will include walking trails, a nature-based playground,
extensive horseback trails, and a picnic pavilion. Current access is limited to pedestrians and horseback only. Hiking at Moody Branch is a great alternative option when Duette Preserve is closed for hunt weekends.
- Hiking and nature trails Trail Map
- Wildlife viewing
- Horseback riding
- Hiking: Available on all trails
- There are no facilities or restrooms on site.
Horseback Riding: Allowed on designated riding trails. Horses are not provided. Proof of a
negative Coggins Test must be available upon request for each horse.
Rules and Regulations
FWC rules state:
- Possession of any animal is prohibited (except horses allowed by permit).
- All persons shall enter and exit the area only at designated entrances.
- Public access other than by foot (pedestrian) or horseback (equestrian) is prohibited.
- Public access is prohibited from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
General questions regarding Moody Branch can be directed to the FWC Regional Office at (863) 648-3200.