Education Programs & Events

EcoEvents: Outdoor Education Programs & Events Calendar

All of our public events are open to individuals and immediate family members. For groups we ask that each family register individually. Large group reservations for public programs will not be accepted. If you have a school, camp, club, or other group that would like to participate in a program, please contact sarah.denison@mymanatee.org to set up a private program.

SEPTEMBER 2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Download a printable version of the September Calendar of Events 

Saturday Sep 25^th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - National Public Lands Day BioBlitz - In celebration of National Public Lands Day, join us for a morning of exploration and learning as we hike to a seldom-visited area of Rye Preserve to document plants and animals using the iNaturalist app. Our submissions will contribute to the Sarasota-Manatee Ecoflora Project, a citizen science initiative that engages Floridians in protecting native species while collecting observations to better inform policy decisions. Suitable for volunteers of all ages. Experience with plant or animal identification is useful, but not required.  Participants should bring a cell phone with a camera. Program sponsored by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/167521833313. For more information on the EcoFlora Project please visit https://selby.org/dsc/youth-family-programs/sarasota-manatee-ecoflora-project/. Rye Preserve - Pavilion

Tuesday Sep 28^th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Stroller Stroll: Neal - Round up your baby buggies, put on your walking shoes, and bring your little ones for a rolling naturalist-led walk through Manatee County's wild spaces. Open your child's eyes to the sights, smells, and feel of Florida's great outdoors. Meet other nature explorer families with kids of a similar age. Program suitable for ages 0-4. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Neal Preserve

Thursday Sep 30^th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Duette Butterfly Count - Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the sixth annual Duette Butterfly Count and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our largest preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day out in the wild blue yonder studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Program sponsored by the Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6035. Duette Preserve

Thursday Sep 30^th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Green Explorers: Creek Retreat - Does your child like to explore? Do they enjoy playing in the water? Spending unstructured time in nature inspires confidence, encourages problem-solving skills, and provides social outlets for children of all ages. Come out for a fun, low-structured, highly social experience where children get back to playing in nature. Program suitable for all ages. Recommended for 5 to 12-year-olds. Reservations are required. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Rye Preserve - Pavilion

Recurring Events

Saturday Sep 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Robinson Runners - Join us weekly to breathe in the fresh air, challenge yourself, and create a community. Savor the trip along the 1.6 and 3.2-mile routes through Robinson Preserve and notice as life becomes a little more vibrant. The group leader will offer a warm-up, then participants may run, walk, or stroll at their own pace followed by a cool-down stretch offered at the finish.  Participants will be rewarded for their efforts by our partners Fit 2 Run and Bayshore Nutrition. Program suitable for adults. No reservations required. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6047. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Saturday Sep 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Saturday Mornings at the NEST - Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Walk the grounds of the historic Reasoner Tract and observe botanical giants collected from around the world. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Sunday Sep 5^th, 19^th, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM - Rise & Shine Yoga - Revitalize and rejuvenate your Mind, Body, and Spirit! This yoga class is designed to blend awareness of breath, physical movement, and mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories, and detoxifying the body! Increase your overall well-being by ending and beginning your week with this empowering and uplifting flow! Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Online registration is highly encouraged as spaces are limited. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6042. $10 Participant Fee Payable online. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

ONGOING/AS NEEDED: RIP SQUAD VOLUNTEER WORKDAY - Join this group that works directly with County natural areas land managers on various wildlife habitat improvement projects. Email announcements are sent out a few days in advance of each event that detail the purpose, goals, and meeting information for each upcoming event. Program suitable for volunteers age 16 and older. To receive email announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, please email elias.ferrell@mymanatee.org. Location and time TBA - chosen based on need.

October 2021 Calendar of Events 

Download a printable version of the October Calendar of Events 

Saturday, Oct 2^nd, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Youth Archery (2 Sessions) - Set your sights on the exciting outdoor activity of archery! This program will provide participants with basic archery instruction, familiarization with archery equipment, and instruction in shooting techniques that create successful archers. All equipment will be provided for use. Program is suitable for children ages 6 to 16. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Two identical sessions are offered to limit group size and facilitate distancing.  Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://ryearchery.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Rye Preserve - Sheriff's Youth Ranch

Saturday, Oct 2^nd, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Native Little One Art Club: Herbology – Learn all about various edible herbs and their culinary and medicinal uses. Students will explore different herbs and choose one to plant, keep, and paint the pot for. Students will also learn how to draw their plants and complete activities with the theme of herbs found in local gardens and how to use them. Program suitable for ages 5 to 8 years old. Program sponsored by Native Little One in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact nativelittleones@gmail.com or call 941-447-8826. For more information please visit www.nativelittleone.com. $60 Program Fee. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday, Oct 6^th, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Soar in 4 Family Night - Soar in 4 occurs the first Wednesday of each month in downtown Bradenton. Families visit demonstration tables (facilitated by Manatee County teachers, non-profit organizations, and volunteers) to learn how to use various materials to support the ‘spotlight book,’ as well as incorporate take-home items to continue to play, create, learn, and explore at home together. These monthly events provide families with the resources and information to become their child’s best ‘first teacher’ at home. All activities are aligned to classroom learning. Program suitable for children and their families. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://www.soarin4.org/. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Thursday, Oct 7^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Headwaters Butterfly Count – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the sixth annual Butterfly Count and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our wildest preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Program sponsored by Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6035. Duette Headwaters Preserve

Saturday, Oct 9^th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Native Little One Art Club: Georgia O'Keeffe – Georgia O’Keeffe is a world-renowned artist. We will explore her work and the beautiful plants she was inspired to paint. Children will receive large paintbrushes and understand how to create the micro-world on a macro scale. Pieces will be created in various mediums such as marker, watercolor, pastel, and colored pencil. Program suitable for ages 5 to 8 years old. Program sponsored by Native Little One in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact nativelittleones@gmail.com or call 941-447-8826. For more information please visit www.nativelittleone.com. $50 Program Fee. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Oct 9^th, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Families Flock Together: Family Fishing Clinic – Join us for a special saltwater fishing clinic! Tie an improved clinch knot, practice your fish identification skills, and learn the basics of catch and release fishing in Florida. Get a chance to use our fishing equipment and cast your line into the waters of Emerson Point Preserve to see what we can catch! Spots are limited, so please sign up early if you are interested. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/172070295887. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Saturday, Oct 9^th, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Seeing Stars – Enjoy a beautiful night sky overlooking the water at this after-hours astronomy viewing. We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe! The program is free, but advance tickets are required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are required for staff, volunteers, and guests. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by The Bishop Museum and Planetarium in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://26965.blackbaudhosting.com/26965/Seeing-Stars-09Oct2021. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Tuesday, Oct 12^th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn as we take our educational tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise's lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, why we have him, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of the Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House

Thursday, Oct 14^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Rye Butterfly Count – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the sixth annual Butterfly Count and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our most historic preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day out in the wild blue yonder studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Program sponsored by Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5924 ext. 6036. Rye Preserve

GOBLIN GATHERING

Friday, Oct 15^th, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Goblin Gathering – Join us for the 19th Annual Goblin Gathering in conjunction with National Night Out at G.T. Bray Park. Several local businesses will be take part by passing out “treats & sweets” to participants, providing a safe alternative for children to trick-or-treat. Event entrance, participation in the costume contest, and trick-or-treating are free. An optional $5 wristband is available for children to participate in bounce houses, a hay maze, and face painting. Food vendors will have food for purchase. Program suitable for all ages. Wristband presales begin on October 8th at the G.T. Bray Recreation Center Front Desk. Wristbands purchased the day of the event are CASH ONLY. No reservations required. For more information please contact parksevents@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923. $5 - Optional Activities Wristband CASH ONLY. G.T. Bray Park – Event Parking at Recreation Center

Saturday, Oct 16^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Rye Preserve – Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida's native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rye-preserve-tour-tickets-167452445773. Rye Preserve

Saturday, Oct 16^th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Families Flock Together: Cuban Ranchos – Explore the mangroves and estuary habitat of Emerson Point Preserve as we reenact the lives of Cuban fishermen along Florida’s coast. In the late 1600s, Florida’s shores hosted thriving communities of Cuban fishermen known as Ranchos. Make crafts and play along the shore as we discuss their lifestyle and obstacles! Program suitable for children and their families. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/172047989167. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom

Wednesday, Oct 20^th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Library Learning: Night Creatures – Howl, hoot, and croak! The night animals are on parade! Join us for an exploration into the mysterious world of nocturnal animals. Using games, activities, and crafts your youngster will learn to discover those night animals are not as scary as they may seem. Program suitable for preschool-age children. No reservations required. Braden River Library

Thursday, Oct 21^st, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Seashell Shore Walk – Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program will explore what makes mollusks unique and the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/171234556167. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – South

Thursday Oct 21^st, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Cuban Ranchos Bilingual Tour – In the late 1600s, Florida’s shores hosted thriving communities of Cuban fishermen known as Ranchos. Join us as we tour the coastal habitat of Perico Preserve and discuss the history, obstacles and namesake Rancho owner Perico Pompon. A finales de los 1600s, las costas de Florida fueron habitadas por comunidades de pescadores Cubanos llamadas Ranchos. Únete a nosotros mientras recorremos el hábitat costero de la reserva natural Perico y discutimos la historia, obstáculos y el famoso pescador Perico Pompon. Program suitable for teens and adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/172078921687. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Perico Preserve – Entrance Pavilion

Thursday, Oct 21^st, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Teen Nature Night: Sea Turtle Conservation – Join us for a special presentation on sea turtle conservation and research, presented by Kristen Mazzarella, Senior Biologist with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Kristen manages over 250 turtle patrol volunteers who monitor local beaches for sea turtle nests. Since 1998, she has studied sea turtles in North Carolina, South Carolina, and now Florida. Her varied experience includes genetics, stranding response, rehabilitation, necropsy, satellite tagging, and live trawl and seine captures. This presentation is geared towards teens interested in pursuing an environmental career. Program suitable for teens. Program sponsored by Manatee County Youth Environmental Action Committee in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/177366707597. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday, Oct 22^nd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall TailS Tribe: Creepy Creatures – They're creepy and they're crawly, they're creepy creatures! Using songs, art, and activities we will explore the creepy-crawly wildlife in our Florida backyards. In the end, your youngster will discover that our creepy critters have some of the most important roles in our ecosystem and might not be so scary. Program suitable for preschool-age children. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Friday, Oct 22^nd, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Spooky Science – Channel your inner mad scientist as we conduct a series of spooky experiments! Make a ghost take flight with the power of static electricity and use physics to make alarming sounds. Join us for this and more at our frightfully cool and spooky science afternoon! Program suitable for students ages 8-13. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/172690270247. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Friday, Oct 22^nd, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Families Flock Together: Spine-Chilling Skeletons – No bones about it, skeletons hold us together! Join us for an informative chat about the skeletal systems of Florida's wildlife. Explore bones (and models) of extant and extinct species, learn about the biology and make-up of animal bones, and discover skeletal adaptations that help animals survive in their natural environment. We will also take a lantern-lit walk through Emerson Point Preserve to see the trails after dark and look (and listen) for nocturnal animals. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/171260373387. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom

Saturday, Oct 23^rd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Perico Preserve – Explore this beautiful coastal preserve and learn about Florida's native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations Required To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/perico-preserve-tour-tickets-167372791525. Perico Preserve  – Entrance Pavilion

Tuesday, Oct 26^th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Stroller Stroll: Leffis Key – Round up your baby buggies, walking shoes, and your little one for a rolling naturalist-led walk through Manatee County's wild spaces. Open your child's eyes to the sights, smells, and feel of Florida's great outdoors. Meet other nature explorer families with kids of a similar age. Program suitable for 0 to 4 years old. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Leffis Key

Thursday, Oct 28^th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Spooky Spiders – Explore the amazing, creepy, and wild attributes that make spiders a perfect addition to Halloween at our Spooky Spiders program. Join us for a fun, low structure, highly social experience where children get back to playing with nature. Program recommended for ages 6-12 years old. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923. Conservatory Park

Thursday, Oct 28^th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Wildlife Spotlight: Bats – Join us for a twilight walk at Robinson Preserve to look for bats! These nocturnal echolocators are important pollinators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Learn about the unique adaptations of nature's only winged mammals, and how you can help protect them in the wild. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/171254616167. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Thursday, Oct 28^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Johnson Butterfly Count – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the sixth annual Butterfly Count and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our newest preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day out in the wild blue yonder studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Program sponsored by Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5925 ext. 6037. Johnson Preserve

Thursday, Oct 28^th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Stories and Service Book Club: Annihilation – Looking for a volunteer opportunity in the cool of the evening at beautiful Emerson Point Preserve? Come out to our book club with a service twist. Every month we will read a different book about Florida and discuss, followed by a restoration project in the preserve. This month will be Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. Program is suitable for bookworms 14 and up. Reservations are required. To register please contact michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve

Friday, Oct 29^th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Homeschool Bio Lab: Crime Scene Investigation – Forensic science is the application of scientific tools and techniques to collect, examine, and analyze physical evidence. Take a close look at the crime scene, collect any evidence, and run tests as we try to solve a mystery! Program suitable for students ages 8-13. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110007. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 Materials Fee. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion

Friday, Oct 29^th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza – Join us for a festive evening of carving and decorating pumpkins! Light your porch with a grinning jack-o-lantern or carve a spooky scene! We provide the pumpkin and carving tools, you provide the creativity. Not sure what to carve? Choose one of our pumpkin carving templates or use your imagination and create your own designs. Program suitable for all ages. $10 materials fee covers one pumpkin and all necessary items including carving tools and decorating materials; no need to bring anything but yourself. Plus, we’ll do all the cleanup! Additional pumpkins are available for $10 each. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Oct 30^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Perico Preserve – Explore this beautiful coastal preserve and learn about Florida's native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/perico-preserve-tour-tickets-167372791525. Perico Preserve – Entrance Pavilion

Wednesday, Nov 3^rd, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – CAREER NIGHT AT THE NEST – Are you interested in a career in nature? Join us at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for an informative evening showcasing local professionals and careers in the environmental and heritage resource fields. This is an opportunity to discover what it takes to get into the field of science! Network with these professionals from a variety of local organizations and discover careers that help make a difference in our community. Program recommended for high school and college students, however, all ages are welcome. Reservations recommended. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/171928000277. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Recurring Events

Saturday, Oct 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, 30^th, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM – Robinson Runners – Join us weekly to breathe in the fresh air, challenge yourself, and create a community. Savor the trip along the 1.6 and 3.2-mile routes through Robinson Preserve and notice as life becomes a little more vibrant. The group leader will offer a warm-up, then participants may run, walk, or stroll at their own pace followed by a cool-down stretch offered at the finish.  Participants will be rewarded for their efforts by our partners Fit 2 Run and Bayshore Nutrition. Program suitable for adults. No reservations required. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6047. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Oct 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, 30^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Walk the grounds of the historic Reasoner Tract and observe botanical giants collected from around the world. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Oct 16^th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Sunday, Oct 10^th, 17^th, 24^th, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM – Rise & Shine Yoga – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body, and Spirit! This yoga class is designed to blend the awareness of breath, physical movement, and mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories, and detoxifying the body! Increase your overall well-being by ending and beginning your week with this empowering and uplifting flow! Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Online registration is highly encouraged as spaces are limited. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6042. $10 Participant Fee Payable online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Oct 4^th – 13^th – Island Monofilament Clean Up – Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for this annual volunteer event! Our goal is to remove hazardous monofilament fishing line from mangrove shorelines. Monofilament or “mono,” is a fancy word for the commonly used plastic fishing line. It has great fishing utility, but can take over 600 years to break down, and poses serious threats to birds and other wildlife. Improperly discarded mono and fishing gear leads to wildlife entanglement, accidental hooks, and ingestion. Program suitable for volunteers 16 and over. This will be a do-it-yourself event, where participants will travel to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 4th - October 18th to target shorelines where cast line has been caught in the treeline. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament to be collected, cleaned, and recycled. Reservations Required. To register please visit https://41207a.blackbaudhosting.com/41207a/2021-Island-Monofilament-Cleanup. Multiple Locations

ONGOING/AS NEEDED: RIP SQUAD VOLUNTEER WORKDAY - Join this group that works directly with County natural areas land managers on various wildlife habitat improvement projects. Email announcements are sent out a few days in advance of each event that detail the purpose, goals, and meeting information for each upcoming event. Program suitable for volunteers ages 16 and older. To receive email announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, please email elias.ferrell@mymanatee.org. Location and time TBA - chosen based on need.

Participation Requirements for Manatee County Kayaks

In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a volunteer, Kayaking for Beginners, Kayaking for First Timers, or Beginner Level Kayak Trip, or to participate in any paddling program, participants:

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
• Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
• Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
• Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
• Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
• Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
• Must have the ability to breathe independently
• Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
• Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water

In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a summer camp program, participants:

• Must be 9 years of age or older (note: age limit is lower as this program is specifically designed as a direct instructional for this age group; guide to paddler ratio is much lower)
• Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
• Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
• Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
• Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
• Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
• Must have the ability to breathe independently
• Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
• Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
• Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water

In the event of capsize for any program, one:

• Must have the ability to get out from under the watercraft independently
• Must have the ability to right oneself and remain face up in the water with the aid of a personal flotation device