I am always surprised by the diversity of species in Red Bug Slough, perhaps because it is a suburban/urban park, where my expectations are generally low, but there are many species of plant and animal, both native and exotic. Perhaps most interesting on this visit was that the hammock has been largely cleared of air potato. IDs at iNat
This 72-acre preserve, Red Bug Slough is a remnant piece of natural Florida nestled in the midst of suburban Sarasota. The preserve has several miles of hiking trails, a small playground, picnic shelters and a fishing dock. The hiking trails are unpaved but accessible for most visitors.
Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several trails may be wet year-round where they cross creeks and ditches. The preserve has limited parking and a walk-thru gate near the Beneva Road entrance and is accessible on foot or by bicycle at several other walk-thru entrances.