Myakka Canopy Walkway

The Myakka Canopy Walkway is located in Sarasota, Florida. It is located just off the Boylston Nature Trail, on one of the spurs connected to the main trail. The entire trail is less than an hour to walk, even when moving slowly. Those wanting to just visit the walkway have about a five minute walk on the spur. The walkway was the work of canopy scientist Dr. Margaret Lowman. She spent time researching tree tops, but struggle to find the perfect way to get over the trees in order to conduct the best research. She worked on several continents before coming to the Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. There, she worked as director of the gardens. During her time in the position, she recognized many of the same challenges facing Florida's forests that she saw in tropical climates around the world. She also understood the domestic forests were in just as much trouble. This inspired her to use the same overhead methods to study Florida trees as she did elsewhere. She began her studies in Florida with the Myakka treetops by lifting herself above the trees with ladders, ropes and pulleys. This allowed her to build a walkway through the trees. Today, it is this walkway that is open to the public.