Anna Maria Historical Park

A Native Florida Landscape

     The site is property owned by Anna Maria City. It currently houses public works buildings with a maintenance yard and the Historical Society Museum. Also on the site is the recently moved and restored historic Belle Haven Cottage. A native garden and shell/sand pathways surround the Cottage. The site is open to the public, fronts on the main thoroughfare, Pine Street, and backs up to a natural mangrove lined canal.

     This project continues and builds upon previous efforts (funded with a grant last year), by planting more palms native to the island in place of removed exotics. This most recent project will buffer the maintenance site from the mangrove walk and canal. The site is a focal point for community gatherings, fund raising, and educational activities regarding history, native plants, and the arts. The park is always open and has no gates.

     The project will enhance local environment and set an example for residents in the use of native landscaping in a historical setting that will hopefully be replicated on residential lots in the city, which is sorely needed. There is a lack of awareness and aesthetic appreciation for native plants relative to their water conservation, wildlife food source benefits, habitat creation, and replacement value for lawns that consume water, are treated with chemicals that run into the surrounding water, and create grass clippings that add negative nutrients to these waters.

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Comments, questions, and suggestions regarding the web page of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society are most welcome. Please direct them to William Bowdish.