Education and Volunteer Division
We are responsible for helping to explain and interpret Manatee County's beautiful preserves. Join our team for exciting hands-on educational experiences in nature and for fun volunteer events that give participants the opportunity to make a difference in the community.
The Natural Resources Department's Education and Volunteer Division is responsible for maintaining a diverse offering of programs within Manatee County's conservation properties. Programs offered, free and fee-based, include hands-on environmental education opportunities and passive outdoor recreational activities designed to accomodate audiences from preschoolers to senior citizens! This Division is also responsible for the management, direction, and support of the Department's Volunteer Program. From 2006 to 2009, the Department has had more than 2000 individuals donate their time to help out with a variety of activities. From regular monthly workdays to opportunities for individuals to work weekly, there's a volunteer job for everyone! [more]
Natural Resources monthly calendar of events - check out the great FREE events happening in YOUR preserves. The Natural Resources Department offers programs in environmental education, passive outdoor recreation, and volunteer stewardship. Most of the programs are free to participants and are available for a variety of age levels. [more]
The Natural Resources Department has created a wide variety of educational handouts and materials that focus on the County's flora, fauna, and environmental resources. The County also conducts regular monitoring programs at many of the preserves and creates reports detailing the findings. The Department's various handouts and scientific research reports are available on this page for download. You will need Adobe Acrobat or another type of .pdf viewer to access these files. [more]
Division Programs and Publications
Learn more about how to join our volunteer team and upcoming volunteer events. The Natural Resources Department's volunteer team plays an important role in the care and upkeep of the County's conservation properties. read on
Get out and see the wild side of Manatee County while hiking, biking, paddling, or even roller blading. There are all sorts of great outdoor passive recreational activities within Manatee County's conservation properties and within its trail system. read on
Since February 2006, the Natural Resources Department staff has worked to create a diverse offering of programs intended to help the public learn more about Florida's plants, animals, and habtiats while enjoying Manatee County's beautiful conservation properties. ... read on
Paddle Manatee: A Guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails is designed to be used along with the paddling markers in our area waterways to help guide paddlers throughout Manatee County's waters. read on
Read all about the Natural Resoruce Department with the quarterly Vistas newsletter. Each offering includes eight pages of information about our preserves, Florida’s native flora and fauna, educational activities and volunteer opportunities. read on
Handouts, Teacher's Guides, BioBlitz and survey data are all available in this section. Check back for regular new additions. read on
A quarterly podcast about Manatee County's Natural Resources Department
Now you can take Manatee County's Natural Resources Department with you anywhere you go! Learn all about the preserves, their history, and their future through the new Vantages ... read on
Manatee County Government
