Download the April 2025 EcoEvents Calendar
Tuesday, Apr 1st, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Nature Night at the NEST: April Fools – Join us at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for a special edition of our Nature Nights series. Test your nature knowledge against our April Fools! We will tell a series of stories about strange and natural things in our world and it us up to you to guess which is real and which is just us trying to fool you. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-nights-at-the-nest-april-fools. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Apr 2nd, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Emerson Point – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Our Audubon guide will lead participants on a tour through Emerson Point’s coastal hammock and mangrove habitats. Check out the “locals” as well as the migratory birds that are wintering here. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Manatee County Audubon Society in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 592-7622. Emerson Point Preserve – Ranger's Station
Wednesday, Apr 2nd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Library Learning: Bugging out about Bugs – High in the trees and down underground, bugs are everywhere! Hop like a grasshopper, flutter like a butterfly, and march like an ant as we explore the movements of the tiniest animals. Through games, song, movement, and craft, your kiddo will love the mini beast found in your Florida backyard! Program appropriate for ages 2 to 5. Reservations not required. For more information please visit https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/13503890 or contact [email protected]. Bradenton River Library
Wednesday, Apr 2nd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education 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, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Wednesday, Apr 2nd, 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. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations required. For more information please visit www.soarin4.org. The Bishop Museum
Thursday, Apr 3rd, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Crooked River Preserve Public Meeting – Are you interested in the upcoming Crooked River Preserve? Manatee County is hosting a public meeting at the Rocky Bluff Branch Library to discuss plans for this new preserve. Crooked River Preserve is along the Manatee River in Parrish with planned public recreational use. Planned usage including picnics, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and camping as well as environmental education programs. This preserved coastal land provides unique opportunities to protect and improve native wildlife habitat and water quality. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rocky Bluff Library
Friday, Apr 4th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Measure for Measure – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park in Nature Tales. Meet monthly at Conservatory Park for an interactive story and activities. This month, we will discover the different lengths of natural items. Program suitable for ages 8 and younger. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-tales-measure-for-measure. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Pavilion by the Playground
Friday, Apr 4th, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Game Night – Are you ready to learn a new game, or are you interested in sharing a much-beloved board game with others? Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Meet new people and try something new. Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons are welcome too. We only ask that all content and conversations remain family-friendly. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations not required. For more information please visit https://events.humanitix.com/game-night-at-the-nest-kbs3e9j9 or contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 5th, 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. 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. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 5th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Wild About Nature Festival – Get ready for a fun-filled day on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay at this free community festival. Over twenty-five local not-for-profits and community organizations will be onsite at Bay Preserve with nature-based activities the whole family will enjoy! From tree-climbing to nature printing, kayaking to wildlife ID – each year this annual event brings our community together to celebrate all things outdoors. Plus, food trucks, special presentations, and live music make this a day you won’t want to miss! Event suitable for all ages. All parking is offsite at First Baptist Church of Osprey, Victory Baptist Church, the historic Osprey Library, and Evie’s on the Bay. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/wild-about-nature-festival/. Bay Preserve at Osprey
Monday, Apr 7th – Friday Apr 11th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Interpretive Guide Course (CIG) – The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about how to develop and lead interpretive programs. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor and fellow participants. You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us. Professional development suitable for adults Reservations are required. To register please visit https://nai-us.org/nai/_prof_development/reg/cigregistration.aspx?EventKey=GI040725. $600 Registration Fee payable online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Apr 9th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: Life in the Scrub – Join us for a walk through one of Florida's most unique habitats - the Florida scrub. Learn about the plants and wildlife found in this habitat, and about the unique adaptations that help them to survive this hot, sandy, fire-reliant ecosystem. Discover how you can help scrub wildlife and the conservation efforts in place to protect this one-of-a-kind environment. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wildlife-spotlight-life-in-the-scrub. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Saturday, Apr 12th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Youth Archery – 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. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nrd-april-youth-archery-2025. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Saturday, Apr 12th, 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. 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. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Monday, Apr 14th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST – Join us for this monthly class at the NEST! At sunset on the second Monday of the month, Dr. Brian Nell, a certified Tai Chi instructor, will lead the group through the gentle movements of Tai Chi. This is a great way to shake off the stressful work week. Improve your balance, loosen your joints, and improve flexibility as you relax and breathe. This class is perfect for beginners and will include an exploration of several different styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. This class is held rain or shine. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-tai-chi. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Tuesday, Apr 15th, 9:00 AM – 10:20 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://events.humanitix.com/seashell-shore-walk-april-2025. For more information please contact [email protected]. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge
Tuesday, Apr 15th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Power of the Sun – Explore the incredible world of the sun in this hands-on program! Discover the sun's amazing powers through exciting activities, crafts, and measuring just how powerful the sun can be. This engaging program will reveal how the sun’s energy shapes our daily lives and the environment, all while participating in fun and interactive experiments. Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Homeschool Science Club explores scientific and natural concepts through games, crafts, and activities encouraging students to be active outdoors. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Please note the location of this session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-science-club-power-of-the-sun. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Large Pavilion #1
Tuesday, Apr 15th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Volunteens - Paddle Clean-up – Calling all teens who want to make a positive impact on the environment! Join us for the second month of our Volunteens series as we team up to clean up the shoreline at Emerson Point — by kayak! It's a fun and hands-on way to help protect the environment while getting some fresh, exercise and volunteer service hours. Program suitable for ages 14-18. Long-sleeved lightweight clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Kayaks, clean-up supplies, ice water and other materials will be provided. Please bring a water bottle. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/volunteens-paddle-clean-up. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 392-3885. Emerson Point Preserve – Kayak launch
Wednesday, Apr 16th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Archaeo Paddle – Journey through the mangrove forests of Robinson Preserve with an archaeologist of the Florida Public Archaeology Network and discover the historical uses of the land, ecological restoration, and how to spot the evidence of indigenous people's past. Program suitable for ages 16 and older who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Program sponsored by Florida Public Archaeology Network in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/archaeo-paddle-april2025. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Kayak Launch
Wednesday, Apr 16th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education 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, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Thursday, Apr 17th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: The Air We Share – Some animals have lungs, and some animals have gills. However, all animals need oxygen to survive. Come explore how animals breathe above and below water. Test your lung capacity against a manatee and learn about the adaptations of animals who need oxygen! Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Homeschool Science Club explores scientific and natural concepts through games, crafts, and activities encouraging students to be active outdoors. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Please note the location of this session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-science-club-the-air-we-share-rye. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Thursday, Apr 17th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Natural Resources Career Night – 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 suitable for high school and college students, but open to all ages. Reservations not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/natural-resources-career-night. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 19th, 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. 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. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 19th, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Family Wade Fishing Clinic – Explore the shores of Emerson Point Preserve as we wade looking for prime fishing with your family. Step into the water equipped with a vest, fishing pole and bait included in the program. An instructor will guide you as to the best areas and rigs to use to land your fish. Program appropriate for ages 8 and up. This is an intermediate program. Participants should be able to cast fishing pole. No refunds. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/webtrac/web/search.html?interfaceparameter=WebTrac_NaturalResources&primarycode=110008. For more information please contact [email protected]. $15 materials fee payable online.. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1
Tuesday, Apr 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Earth Day Paddle Cleanup – Come join us for a paddle cleanup along the shorelines of Neal Preserve! Register to use one of our kayaks or bring your own. This is an intermediate paddle and not suitable for beginning paddlers. Program suitable for ages 16 and older. Children under 16 years old may attend with a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak. Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you would like to borrow a kayak, please choose the "Borrow a kayak" ticket type. Otherwise participants must bring their own kayak and safety gear, which must include a life jacket and whistle. All participants must wear a life jacket on the water. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes (no flip flops), bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Your feet and legs may get wet and muddy. There are no restrooms at our launch site. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-neal-preserve-paddle-cleanup. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve – 12378 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL 34209
Tuesday, Apr 22nd, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – FrogWatch Public: Emerson Point Preserve – Come join us for frog monitoring at our local preserves and discover the frogs that can be found in the county! Be a part of our new citizen science program and learn how to identify and record local species as we contribute data to the national FrogWatch USA database. We will talk about frog monitoring then split into groups and monitor different ponds for frog calls! Program recommended for 8 years and older Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/frogwatch-public-perico-preserve-xeq3uq9b. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve
Wednesday, Apr 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education 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, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Thursday, Apr 24th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Eggcellent Eggs – Insects, birds, and reptiles, soft or hard-shelled, all lay eggs! Using hands-on discovery and the participant's own creativity, attendees will have a chance to play while learning about eggs in nature. Green Explorers is a low-structured, highly social, and experience-based activity. Program suitable for all ages recommended for ages 5- 12 year olds, but all ages welcome. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/green-explorers-eggcellent-eggs. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Pavilion by the Playground
Thursday, Apr 24th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Nature Night at the NEST: Sea Turtles – Join us at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for an exciting new lecture series that features local experts in the fascinating realms of science, nature, and history. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or simply curious, these talks are designed to engage and inspire! Our April lecture will feature Kristen Mazzarella, Executive Director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. Manatee County beaches and surrounding waters are vital nesting and feeding grounds for five species of sea turtles. Discover the life cycle, behaviors, and unique adaptations of these important reptiles and learn what you can do to protect them during sea turtle nesting season. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-nights-at-the-nest-sea-turtles. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday, Apr 24th, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – FrogWatch Public: Perico Preserve – Come join us for frog monitoring at our local preserves and discover the frogs that can be found in the county! Be a part of our new citizen science program and learn how to identify and record local species as we contribute data to the national FrogWatch USA database. We will talk about frog monitoring then split into groups and monitor different ponds for frog calls! Program recommended for 8 years and older Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/frogwatch-public-perico-preserve-xeq3uq9b. For more information please contact [email protected]. Perico Preserve – Parking Lot
Friday, Apr 25th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Tide Trekker Paddle Clean-up – Ready to make a difference while enjoying the outdoors? Join us for the Tide Trekker Paddle Clean-Up - a shoreline cleanup event where you'll help us remove trash and debris by kayak. Whether you are an experienced paddler or new to kayaking, all skill levels are welcome to participate in this rewarding and fun volunteer event Program suitable for ages 16 and older who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. We will provide kayaks, paddles, life jackets and all necessary cleanup supplies but feel free to bring your own kayak if you prefer. Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/tide-trecker-paddle-clean-up. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve North Entrance
Friday, Apr 25th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool BioLab: Sea Creatures Exploration - Snorkel and Study – Explore the ocean's wonders with this program, where you'll study marine life like sand dollars, starfish, and sea urchins. Learn essential field research skills, including how to use a quadrant to survey and document marine biodiversity. This hands-on experience combines snorkeling with scientific techniques, offering an unforgettable look at ocean ecosystems. All participants must be able to swim. We will provide snorkel equipment and life vests. Program recommended for 10-15 year olds. Homeschool Bio Lab is an advanced course where we explore higher scientific concepts and the scientific method through dissections, chemistry, and biology experiments. No refunds available. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?interfaceparameter=WebTrac_NaturalResources&primarycode=110007. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom
Friday, Apr 25th, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Nature Play Fest – Bring your kids west to play at Robinson Preserve NEST. Do you remember playing as a child, playing so hard that you would lose track of time? Bring your kids to a hands-on festival that focuses on playing in the great outdoors. Build forts, blow bubbles, paint with mud, search with maps, play with puppets, and so much more! Visit all the booths that this FREE event has to offer! The Festival is a partnership of Soar in 4 and Manatee County Natural Resources. This festival is in partnership with Soar in 4 and Remake Learning Days. Program suitable for children of all ages, Program sponsored by Soar in 4 and Remake Learning Days in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-play-fest-dntnnmm9. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 26th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – World Tai Chi Day – Join the World in practicing Tai Chi for a day of One World, One Breath. Come out and learn different forms of Tai Chi and try each one to enjoy benefits including stress reduction, lowering of blood pressure, and improvements in flexibility and balance. Visitors are invited to join instructors from the Manatee-Sarasota area who will share different forms of Tai Chi. Each instructor will provide a follow-along mini-class for you to try their style of Tai Chi or Qi Gong. These instructors are volunteering their time and talents to share their art with the community. Event is open to all ages and skill levels. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please contact https://events.humanitix.com/world-tai-chi-day-2025. For more information please contact [email protected]. GT Bray – Amphitheater
Saturday, Apr 26th, 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. 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. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 26th, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – FrogWatch: Become a FrogWatch Citizen Scientist – Anyone can volunteer and WE NEED YOU! You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to make an important contribution! You need an interest in learning about frogs and toads, the commitment to learn and identify their distinct calls and the ability to make several evening visits to a local wetland. You can be directly involved in gathering information that may help stop the decline of these important and treasured animals. After taking this course it only take 30 minutes one time a month out of your day to play a role in helping out the frogs and toads data collection. This volunteer Training is suitable for ages 12 years and older. Program is suitable for ages 12 years and older. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/frogwatch-become-a-frogwatch-volunteer. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom
Wednesday, Apr 30th, 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. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations required. For more information please visit www.soarin4.org. The Bishop Museum