A Bountiful Harvest

A Bountiful Harvest. Emerson Point Preserve. What drew people to this outpost at the joining of the Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay, and Tampa Bay? Originally, Amerindians came for the abundant shellfish of the surrounding waters and other food and raw material resources of the interior hammocks. Later, pioneers moved in to farm, bringing with them fruit trees and other plants not native to this area but now found throughout the park. , , The area still provides a rare opportunity to view native Florida plants, and on occasion, the animals that inhabit the preserve. Gumbo limbo trees, centuries-old live oaks, strangler figs, wild coffee, and mangrove trees are a few of the plants you'll see along the trails. Animals found in the area include bobcats, foxes, gopher tortoises, and other species threatened or endangered by extinction. Emerson Point and Snead Island are surrounded by estuaries of greater Tampa Bay that are also known as nurseries of the sea. Meadows of submerged seagrass, craggy beds of oysters, and lush fringes of mangrove trees host a wide variety of sea life. , , Habitat Conservation , The waters surrounding Emerson Point are given special protection under State and Federal law. Tampa Bay is part of the National Estuary Program, while Terra Ceia Bay is a state Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water. These designations help local residents conserve vital habitats.