Volunteer in our Parks and Preserves

You really can make a difference! By volunteering in the preserves, you will make a positive impact on the environment. Volunteers help preserve the homes of native plants and animals, re-establishing much needed habitat. The work completed by volunteers will also help to secure the land for the enjoyment of future generations.

Projects can be adapted for any age range or group size, too. Each opportunity is more than just service work - volunteers learn about Florida's ecosystems while working to help preserve them.

For groups

If you have a group that would like to complete a project at one of our preserves, please contact us directly! Whether you're working with a scout troop, school group, professional organization, or club our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Leahy, can help create an opportunity for you! Call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035 for more information.

For individuals

If you are an individual looking for a volunteer workday or short-term opportunity there is no need to fill out an application!  Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities calendar below or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Leahy, directly at (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities Calendar

December Calendar

Thursday 19^th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – SCIENCE AND SERVICE BOOK CLUB: SILENT SPRING – Looking for a volunteer opportunity in the cool of the evening at beautiful Robinson Preserve? Come out to the newest part of Robinson for our book club with a service twist. Every month we will read different book from science and history about Florida, and discuss, and follow it with a restoration project in the preserve. This month will be Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Program is suitable for bookworms 14 and up. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Saturday 28^th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – ROBINSON GIVE BACK PADDLE – ‘Tis the season for giving. Here is your chance to get outside and give back to your natural lands! Join us for an afternoon on the waters of Robinson Preserve as we paddle the shoreline searching for marine debris. Program suitable ages 16 and older who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. For individuals that do not own boats, ten kayaks and gear are available from our WCIND-funded fleet on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve

January Calendar

Thursday, January 2^nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – NEW YEAR’S COASTAL CLEANUP – Start the new year right by giving back to the earth!  Grab your gloves, hat, and sunscreen – we'll provide the trash bags and grabbers – and take an active role in helping the environment. Your hard work will help keep the beaches beautiful and the wildlife safe. This is a great opportunity for teens looking to earn volunteer hours. Program suitable for volunteers of all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035. Coquina Beach​

Saturday 11^th, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM - GIVE-A-DAY FOR THE BAY: ROBINSON PRESERVE PLANTING PART ONE - Join Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department in partnership with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program for a native plant restoration volunteer workday at Robinson Preserve.  This fun-filled morning will begin with an ole' fashioned hay ride to the Winston Tract, where we'll be planting natives to support the ongoing restoration of the Robinson Preserve Expansion.  Once all the plants are in the ground we will head back to the NEST for lunch.  Please register at https://conta.cc/2qOFwSi Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Thursday 16^th, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM - SCIENCE AND SERVICE BOOK CLUB: TRIAL OF THE EARTH- Looking for a volunteer opportunity in the cool of the evening at beautiful Robinson Preserve? Come out to the newest part of Robinson for our book club with a service twist. Every month we will read different book from science and history about Florida, discuss, and follow it with a restoration project in the preserve. This month will be Trial of the Earth by Mary Mann Hamilton. Program is suitable for bookworms age 14 and up. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Thursday 23rd, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM - RYE PRESERVERS TRAILBLAZING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY- Join us for a day off the beaten path, making the trail more accessible for all. Part nature hike, part volunteering, during this activity we will trim back encroaching vines and branches from the trail. If you love native plants, biodiversity, or lending a helping hand, this is the workday for you! Program is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Rye Preserve

Saturday 25^th, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM - SARASOTA BAY GUARDIANS: ROBINSON PRESERVE PLANTING PART TWO - Join Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program for a native plant restoration volunteer workday at Robinson Preserve.  This fun-filled morning will begin with an ole' fashioned hay ride to the Winston Tract, where we'll be planting natives to support the ongoing restoration of the Robinson Preserve Expansion.  Once all the plants are in the ground we will head back to the NEST for lunch.  Please register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sarasota-bay-guardians-robinson-preserve-volunteer-planting-tickets-83713143265 Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Wednesday 29^th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - EMERSON ENHANCERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY - Come and be part of a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about Emerson Point Preserve! We do whatever is needed, from cleaning up the Point for marine debris, removing exotic invasive plants from the Temple Mound and classroom area, to making enhancements to the butterfly garden. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve

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. This group meets when needed with locations and tasks determined based on need, opportunity, and priority, at the time of each event. 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  Erin.Struzzieri@mymanatee.org Location and time TBA - chosen based on need