The Friends of the Carlton Reserve (FCR) was founded November 15th, 2004 as a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of the Friends of the Sarasota County Parks organization. Its goal is to promote the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve through active participation in supporting roles. Some of those roles include maintaining trails and camp areas, providing information, raising money, watch-guarding the environment and providing a liaison between the County and the citizens of Sarasota County.

The Carlton Reserve is located in central Sarasota County and abuts Myakka River State Park to the south of the State Park. It consists of over 24,500 acres (about 40 square miles) of natural land. Its only commercial property is the water treatment plant for Sarasota County.

Some of the recent FCR activities have included trail maintenance and cleanup of the kayak launch and the picnic area. A larger on-going project is the re-building of the Cowboy Camp. A new 12-stall horse barn is being built now, and the cook-house will be rebuilt next. All of this construction uses native materials and is consistent with the original design. Pine trees are being cut down and sawn into boards of various sizes to complete the buildings. Except for key personnel, the work is being done by volunteers.

There is a “wish-list” of improvements that are desired for the Reserve. High on the list is an elevated platform located near the wetlands close to the park entrance. This would afford bird watchers a better viewing location of the various birds that come through the area. While volunteers may help build the platform, some of the materials will have to be purchased. For that reason and others, raising money is also a function of FCR.

The Friends of the Carlton Reserve asks for dues, but this is not intended as our major source of revenue. Events such as fhe Kayak Festival is one way in which FCR has “earned” money on behalf of the Carlton. Other events will be planned. We also seek contributions, both private and public.

This is a new organization, and we are still learning what we can accomplish. We are proud to be active along with many fine people in Sarasota County who are setting aside lands for low-impact recreational use. We invite you to join us.