The Celery Fields constitute Sarasota County's main flood retention area. Prior to its purchase by the County in 1995, the 300 acre tract was used for agriculture, with celery as its primary crop. Mainly consisting of open marshlands, deep ponds, shallow pools and canals. the Celery Fields are edged by wooded areas on the eastern and southern boundaries. Bird surveys of this area have counted over 200 species to date.