Walton Ranch ribbon-cutting set for June 8

The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Walton Ranch site at 10 a.m., on Monday, June 8.

The ribbon-cutting is a celebration to recognize the opening of this preserve site, which offers a host of recreation and educational opportunities in a beautiful, natural setting.

"We are so happy to be opening this preserve to the public," said Carolyn Brown, director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. "It's another important piece for our conservation land corridor in south county and it will be enjoyed for generations to come."

The 3,760-acre preserve was purchased by Sarasota County in 2010 using funding through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), in partnership with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The preserve features ranchland, natural habitats and valuable water resources. Hiking, biking and birding are just a few of the available recreational opportunities.

This ribbon-cutting is the first phase of an ongoing effort to enhance amenities at the preserve.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Walton Ranch site, located at 7020 N. Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, June 8.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.​