Edward W. Chance Reserve — Gilley Creek Tract

The Gilley Creek Tract protects the main branch of Gilley Creek, which is one of the main tributaries of the Manatee River. The creek flows into Lake Manatee, which serves as the primary drinking water source for Manatee County.

Formerly a cattle ranch and farm with row crops that had been converted to pasture, hardwood hammocks are still found along the creek channels and wetlands. Undisturbed areas of native habitats thrive in a natural condition, with regular reoccurrence of fire through the prescribed burn program, providing an example of historic Florida palmetto prairie, pine flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods communities.

Restoration efforts focus on reestablishing scrub habitats in fallow agricultural fields that will expand an existing population of the Florida scrub-jay, currently listed as threatened in the state and in the U.S., as well as a host of other species that depend on scrub communities.

The hydrology of the site will also be restored to the extent possible. These efforts will enhance the property’s natural communities and improve water quality.