Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) purchased 8,249 acres (3,338 ha) through the state's "Save Our Rivers" program in 1994.

A land swap between the water district and Sarasota County was done as part of the purchase and added 253 acres (102 ha) to the preserve.

[3] The site is named in honor of Thomas Mabry Carlton Jr., a county commissioner who had a critical role in acquiring the land.

[5] Habitats in the preserve include dry prairie, pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and seasonal wetlands.

[3] Wildlife on the land include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, swallow-tailed kites, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, and wading birds.