Public water supply facilities, agriculture, wildlife habitat conservation and passive recreation characterize the diversity of the working landscape at the RV Griffin Reserve. The reserve offers vistas of pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, wet prairies and glimpses of forested wetlands and oak hammocks. Much of the flatwoods have a sparse overstory of pines and resembles Florida dry prairie, one of North America’s most imperiled ecosystems. The property is managed by the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PRMRWSA).
The reserve was named in memory of DeSoto County Commissioner RV Griffin. The District purchased the property in 1992 to help meet future water supply needs of Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The PRMRWSA operates water supply facilities that were originally built by the developer in anticipation of its planned communities.
During the dry season, the amount of water flowing down the Peace River declines and is unable to supply all the water needed by the public. During times of high flow, river water is diverted for storage. Raw river water is held in a reservoir located on PRMRWSA property within the reserve. Pipes connect the reservoir to a treatment plant on neighboring land. For additional storage, treated water is injected into underground wells of the aquifer storage and recovery system.
During the dry season, the amount of water flowing down the Peace River declines and is unable to supply all the water needed by the public. During times of high flow, river water is diverted for storage. Raw river water is held in a reservoir located on PRMRWSA property within the reserve. Pipes connect the reservoir to a treatment plant on neighboring land. For additional storage, treated water is injected into underground wells of the aquifer storage and recovery system.
Bicycling
21 miles of multiuse trails.
Use only marked trails.
Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Equestrian Use
21 miles of multiuse trails.
Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current negative Coggins test.
Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.
Hiking
21 miles of multiuse trails
Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are excessively wet during certain times of year.
Picnic Facilities
Limited picnic facilities in parking lot.
Access and Parking
From I-75, take Exit 170 at Kings Highway (CR 769). Drive north 5 miles; entrance on left.
ADA access and facilities available.
Limited Access Areas
2,485-acre preserve area at the southwestern side of the property is open only for hiking, equestrian use and biking.
Both onsite reservoirs are closed to public access and use.
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilet; no water available.
Location
Southwest DeSoto County, east of North Port
Nearby Recreation Lands
Phone: 800-423-1476
Website: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/rvgriffin.html
8910 Kings Highway
Arcadia, FL 35842
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