Environmental & Extension Services - Natural Resources

Conservation Charlotte

Thornton Key Preserve

Thornton Key is a barrier island in Lemon Bay south of Stump Pass and east of Palm Island; the Preserve is 31 acres in the center portion of the island. Thornton Key Preserve contains tropical coastal hammock, mangrove swamps, salt barrens, and herbaceous marsh. Tropical hardwood hammocks are home to numerous species of rare plants and are an important habitat for migratory birds. Looking over the salt barrens and marshes wading birds can be observed foraging and occasionally dolphins can be seen swimming out in Lemon Bay.

Directions:

8 Thornton Key Preserve - Englewood, Florida
Access through Old Knights Pass east of Palm/Knight Island.
Longitude: -82.332019 | Latitude: 26.889019

Amenities

  • Nature Preserve
  • Nature/Walking Trail
  • Canoe/Kayak
Location Map  |  Trail Map (17MB)  |  Fact Sheet

 

To learn more about the Conservation Charlotte program: call 941.764.4360 and ask for Natural Resources Division, or send us an email.

Conservation Charlotte Home | FAQs
Buck Creek Preserve | Deep Creek Property | Prairie Creek Preserve
Shell Creek Preserve | Thornton Key Preserve

For more information
Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services
25550 Harbor View Road, Unit 2, Port Charlotte, FL  33980
941.764.4360 

Conservation Charlotte

Thornton Key Site Video

Thornton Key 1

Thornton Key 2

Thornton Key 3

Thornton Key 4

Thornton Key 5

Photos by Kristy Hanlon
Videos by Paul Schumaker
Environmental & Extension Services