Calendar of Events

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Manatee County Natural Resources Calendar

NOTE: This calendar includes Manatee County Natural Resource's public events only

May 2012 Calendar of Events

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Wagon Tours at Robinson Preserve

Photo by Michael Pepper

May

Friday 4^th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – SEALIFE SAFARI SHUTTER STROLL – Grab your camera and get ready to wade into the waters of the Manatee River. You can dip net to capture your own models, or use those provided by NRD naturalists, learning about sealife and macro photography. As always, nature photographer Dotty Motta will be on hand to help share tips and tricks about this specialized type of photography.  Macro lens or setting and tripod recommended. Please wear shoes that can get muddy and wet. All participants must wear shoes in the water.  Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 9. Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 5^th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – FAMILES FLOCK TOGETHER: SPINELESS WONDERS – What has spiny skin and five arms? Sea stars! Sea urchins, sand dollars and all other members of the “echinoderm” family have spiny skin, and can be divided into 5 parts. During this hands-on program participants will have echinoderm excitement as they learn all about these fabulous sea creatures. Dress to get wet – we will be going dip netting in the sea grass beds! Please wear shoes that can get muddy and wet. All participants must wear shoes in the water.  Program suitable for all ages.   Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4616. Robinson Preserve

Thursday 10^th, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM – NEAL PRESERVE SNEAK PEEK PADDLE – Come out and explore the unexplored bayside mangrove tunnels of Neal Preserve. Tidal currents will make this an adventure to remember. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 3-4 miles are welcome to attend. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The kayak launch in on the left side of SR 64/Manatee Ave just past Neal Preserve and before the bridge to Anna Maria Island. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Neal Preserve

Thursday 10^th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – CITIZEN SCIENCE ACADEMY: THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! – Did you know you can use your smart phone to track wildlife, report invasive species sightings, and even record species data in real time? Both smart phones and personal computers have an incredible array of new “apps” for nature lovers and citizen scientists. Join techno geek Melissa for a tour of some of the best nature apps and learn how to participate in Manatee County’s new Project Noah mission!  Program suitable for age 13 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605. Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 12^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SARASOTA BAY GUARDIANS WATERSHED WORKDAY VOLUNTEER EVENT – Help improve the watershed and Emerson Point Preserve! Become a part of the restoration revolution and help install native plants, create portable monofilament fishing line collection containers, and clean up the bay by collecting trash. This is a great opportunity to learn about the area’s natural history while planting native plants that will help build valuable habitat in the Sarasota Bay watershed. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch. Volunteer event sponsored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Plants provided by the Elizabeth Eaton Fund at Manatee Garden Club and materials for the Stow It Don’t Throw It Containers provided by West Coast Inland Navigation District. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required! Please call 941-955-8085.  Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 12^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – SPRINGTIME STROLL MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Join Master Gardener Mike for a leisurely nature walk through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Florida’s native plants. Program suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardeners for reservations at 941-722-4524. DeSoto National Memorial/Riverview Pointe Preserve

Saturday 12^th, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – SECOND ANNUAL UNITED WAY
WALK-A-THON – Help Manatee County staff raise money for a good cause while enjoying the beauty of nature! You can walk as a team or as an individual during this event. This non-competitive walk is open to all ages and abilities and the first 100 participants will receive a goodie bag. Wristbands for all participants and ribbons for kids will be presented at the finish line.  During the Walk-a-Thon, First Watch will be handing out free food and drinks, and all participants will automatically have a chance to win a raffle for great prizes. Sponsored by Manatee County on behalf of United Way.  Entry fee of $20 adults and $10 kids ages 7-17 (before 4/30; $25/$10 after 4/30) required. To register please visit www.manateemiles.com . Robinson Preserve

Wednesday 16^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – ANNOUNCING ANOTHER NEW LOCATION, GORGEOUS GAMBLE CREEK KAYAKING – Launching from the Ft. Hamer boat ramp on the Manatee River, we will paddle upriver to explore meandering Gamble Creek. A tidal estuary and blackwater river supports multiple habitats. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 5 miles are welcome to attend. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Ft Hamer Boat Launch

Friday 18^th, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – STARRY NIGHT WALK – Search the heavens above for constellations, stars, and planets during this special evening walk. The gates of the preserve are closed, but we’re giving you a special opportunity to enter with a naturalist and observe the starry night sky. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 8. Robinson Preserve

Saturday 19^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – MASTER GARDENER TOUR –Which plants are celebrating the warmer weather at Emerson Point Preserve with a burst of flowery color? Join the Master Gardeners for a stroll at Emerson Point Preserve to view firsthand the answer to this question. Program suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardeners for reservations at 941-722-4524. Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 19^th, 9:00 AM – NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOUR – Tour Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon! Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. One 60-minute trip will be taken during the day. A second tour will be taken at 10:30 a.m. if a minimum of 12 people are interested. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations will not be taken for this tour. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 1 for more information. Robinson Preserve

Sunday 20^th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Each month, the Master Gardeners host a fabulous nature tour in the salt marshes at Robinson Preserve. Learn more about Florida’s native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a hike through this beautiful coastal property. Program suitable for all ages.  Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524. Robinson Preserve

Monday 21^st, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM – FROG CREEK PADDLE – Help clean up Frog Creek! There aren't many places with such a diversity of habitats as this secluded and seldom paddled trail. It is a thriving portrait of old Florida, a freshwater stream surrounded by cypress, palmettos and thick grass, pouring clear water into mangrove jungles, then into Terra Ceia Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. During your paddle we’ll collect trash at both the boat ramp and also along the way. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 5 miles are welcome to attend. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Frog Creek

Wednesday 23^rd, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – WRACK LINE HIKE – What comes ashore when the tide rolls in? Naturalist Aedan will help you to explore the wondrous wrack, sifting through seaweed, shells, sea life and more. This super safari is for the truly adventurous who would like to see what the tide brings in, or just learn a bit about Manatee County’s estuarine waterways. Please wear shoes that can get muddy and wet. Program suitable for all ages.  Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4616. Robinson Preserve

Saturday 26^th, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – SNEAK PEEK VOLUNTEER WORKDAY –

Get ready to be amazed! Big changes have happened at Ungarelli Preserve – you may not even recognize this little jewel of coastal property. This is the chance to see the transformation of this property as it grows into a natural and diverse conservation property. During the event, we’ll also help to improve the location ourselves by removing trash from the site. This property is currently only open during Sneak Peek tours so don’t miss the chance to see this new and exciting site!  Please bring work gloves and wear close-toed shoes. Program suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 4613. Ungarelli Preserve

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Participants learn about plankton at Robinson Preserve

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The calendar of events is sent out monthly via email. If you would like to join the email list, please email melissa.nell@mymanatee.org .

Download the May 2012 Calendar of Events