built from the excavated fill from the ponds that were created. it's a lovely place!

No, the Hill was not a landfill. Dirt dug from the canals and ponds to make the wetlands made the hill.

80 feet.

No, rough trails.

I would say about 80 feet. Not too difficult to walk up, and the walking trail follows the perimeter of the hill, providing good views of the whole area.

Yes, many people walk leashed dogs on the hill or on the trails. Just clean up the poop.

A History of the Celery Fields This article was adapted by Arny Rawson from History and Agriculture in Sarasota County Florida, published by the Sarasota County Fair and Sarasota County Historical Commission, 1976. From about 1920, the Palmer interests (also known as the Sarasota-Venice Company, originally started by Mrs Potter Palmer who died in 1918) extended the vegetable growing area from Gulf Gate to the location of the present Celery Fields. Prior to that time, the site was a rich muckland known as Big Camp Saw Grass and Tatum Saw Grass. The muck (peat) occupied the lowest 2,000 acres, and was surrounded by a higher dark loam area and an even higher sandy area. The depth of the muck varied from a few inches to 8 feet, and was composed of from 66 to 73% organic material. Below the muck layer was sand, which varied inversely with the depth of the muck. A clay or marl layer lay about four feet deeper still. The Palmer interests engaged Arcadia engineer J .A. Kimmel to make topographical maps and a drainage plan for the entire 8,000-acre area. The site was organized as the Sarasota Fruitville Drainage District in 1921. The firm of Cravens and Kimmel prepared excellent 1-foot contour maps for drainage, which made development in the Phillippi Creek watershed possible. Construction of the Celery Fields began in 1923. The main canals were finished by 1926. An experimental farm of 2,000 acres was set up under the direction of E.L. Ayres, then County Agent. Although different vegetables were tried, by 1927, it was decided to grow predominantly celery. Roads were built across the area. Since the muck was constituted in great part by acid, lime was added: 1.5 to 2 tons of ground limestone and 1 to 1.5 tons of hydrated lime per acre. Unit ditches served 10-acre tracts. Artesian wells served two 10-acre tracts from each 6-inch well. At first, just a spring crop was harvested. Later both spring and fall crops were grown. The farms, which were sold off as private units, continued to produce celery until the property was acquired by the County in 1995. Further notes from Arny Rawson Prior to the development of the farm, water levels are not mentioned. It is assumed however, that in the lowest areas, there was standing water throughout most of the year. After drainage, the celery patches were moist to dry for most of the year, but there was no standing water except after heavy summer rains. There was no record of wildlife before development, but one can assume that it was abundant. During its farm stage, the area was good for birding, probably many more species than now.

Yes, dogs are allowed

No charge, Restrooms are available. It is a pretty good hike up the trail. Be sure to cross the road and take some pictures of the wildlife and birds near the water.