Download the EcoEvents July 2026 Calendar of Events
Thursday, Jul 2nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – RIP Squad Trail Workday – Hidden Harbor Park – Join the RIP Squad for a morning of trail maintenance at Hidden Harbor Park! Volunteers will help clear out vegetation and improve conditions, making way for room for future native plantings along our new trail. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, make a tangible impact on local natural areas, and connect with fellow volunteers who care about conservation. Program suitable for ages 12+ No experience is necessary. Staff will provide guidance, tools, all necessary supplies and ice water for refills Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/rip-squad-trail-workday-hidden-harbor-park. For more information please contact shelby.reece@mymanatee.org. Hidden Harbor Park
Saturday, Jul 4th, 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
Sunday, Jul 5th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 5th of July Beach Clean up - Manatee Beach – After the 4th of July festivities, lend a hand in restoring the shoreline at Manatee Beach. This community cleanup focuses on removing litter and debris left behind after the holiday, helping to protect coastal wildlife and keep our beaches clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Even small pieces of trash can have a lasting impact on marine ecosystems. By volunteering for a few hours, you'll help prevent pollution from reaching our waterways and support the health of local habitats Program suitable for all ages. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes or sandals suitable for walking on sand, and bring water, sunscreen, and other sun protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/5th-of-july-beach-clean-up-manatee-beach. For more information please contact shelby.reece@mymanatee.org. Manatee Beach Park
Tuesday, Jul 7th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – VolunTeen - Native planting - Emerson Point Preserve – Join the VolunTeen program for a morning of trail stewardship and outdoor service! We will participate in a native planting project which will provide wildlife habitat and contribute to the ecology at Emerson Point in a positive way. Planting native plants is an important part of caring for our natural areas. Program suitable for ages 13- 18 No previous experience is necessary. Staff will provide instruction, tools, and safety guidance Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/volunteen-trail-trimming-rye-preserve. For more information please contact shelby.reece@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve
Tuesday, Jul 7th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – NEST Open House – 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
Tuesday, Jul 7th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – 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 ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Wednesday, Jul 8th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Library Learning: Pop-up Mangrove – Discover how mangroves safeguard Florida’s coastlines from ocean threats and provide vital habitats for local wildlife. Participants will also have the chance to explore an interactive pop-up mangrove exhibit. Program suitable for all ages. Please arrive by 9:45 to check in so we can start on time. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/16901675. Rocky Bluff Library
Wednesday, Jul 8th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Soar Lab – Our partners at Soar in 4 just opened an incredible interactive museum for the youngsters in your life, called the Soar Lab. Inside is a room devoted to building complete with a giant Light Brite and Legos. A tinker room filled with kid-friendly tools and a gigantic art room packed with easels, puppets, and a stage. Open five days a week, check out soarin4.org for more detailed information. One Wednesday a month, our education staff will join the museum for some fun hands-on nature play. The theme this quarter is science. Program suitable for children 3rd grade and below. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations are required. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Soar Lab
Wednesday, Jul 8th, 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
Friday, Jul 10th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Friday Morning Yoga at the NEST – Start your weekend with intention and ease. Join us for a gentle, alignment-based Hatha yoga class designed to lengthen and strengthen the body while cultivating awareness through mindful movement and breath. This slow-flow session is beginner-friendly and open to all levels. Program suitable for adults. Please bring mats, towels, and water. Other props are provided by the instructor. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-yoga. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Friday, Jul 10th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Game Night at the NEST – What is more family than Board Game Night? 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. Snacks will be provided. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/game-night-at-the-nest-july-2026/tickets. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Jul 11th, 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, Jul 13th, 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 in 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 aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Tuesday, Jul 14th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – NEST Open House – 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
Tuesday, Jul 14th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – 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 ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Thursday, Jul 16th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Musical Motion – Musical Motion is an interactive playgroup for parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-5. This class focuses on using creative activities to build preschoolers' social skills, enhance brain development, and early learning skills within the Seven Domains of Early Childhood Development. Children's play incorporates props such as puppets, parachutes, musical instruments, and scarves, while parents learn about the Forty Developmental Assets, health, safety, and child development. Parents also build a support system and learn/share parenting tips with other parents and experienced Parenting Educators leading the class. Program suitable for parents/caregivers and children ages 0-5. Program sponsored by Parenting Matters in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations are required. For more information please visit https://parentingmattersfl.org/programs/musical-motion/. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Friday, Jul 17th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Tide Trekker Shoreline Cleanup – Help keep Emerson Point Preserve's shoreline clean and healthy! Join us for the Tide Trekker Shoreline Cleanup, where volunteers will walk the shoreline collecting litter, debris, and marine trash before it can harm wildlife or wash back into the water. Program suitable for ages 12+ Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection, reusable water bottle and clothing you don't mind getting a little dirty. We will provide water for refills plus all supplies and equipment needed. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/leffis-key-restoration-workday. For more information please contact shelby.reece@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve
Friday, Jul 17th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Friday Morning Yoga at the NEST – Start your weekend with intention and ease. Join us for a gentle, alignment-based Hatha yoga class designed to lengthen and strengthen the body while cultivating awareness through mindful movement and breath. This slow-flow session is beginner-friendly and open to all levels. Program suitable for adults. Please bring mats, towels, and water. Other props are provided by the instructor. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-yoga. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Jul 18th, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: A.M. Risers Moody Branch – Start your morning with a peaceful birding walk through Moody Branch Wildlife Management Area, home to the region’s renowned Florida Scrub‑Jay population. Enjoy sunrise activity, cooler temperatures, and a slow, scenic trail as we explore one of Florida’s rare endemic species and the habitats that support them. Meet at the trial head at 7:15 a.m.; program concludes at 9:00 a.m. Program suitable for adults. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing. We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toed shoes. Binoculars will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own. Reservations are required. For more information please contact cierra.nelson@mymanatee.org. Moody Branch Preserve
Saturday, Jul 18th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Solar Astronomy at the NEST – See the sun as you have never seen it before. Join us for a special look through a Hydrogen Alpha solar telescope. Come see the sun in perfectly safe H-Alpha light and observe solar granulation, filaments, sunspots, and even solar flares. This is guaranteed to be a unique viewing experience. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Suncoast Stargazers in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are recommended. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2026-solar-observing-at-the-nest. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Jul 18th, 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
Wednesday, Jul 22nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Oyster Shell Drilling - Oyster Restoration Volunteer Project – Join us for a rewarding morning of hands-on habitat restoration! Volunteers will help prepare recycled oyster shells and assemble oyster pins that will be used in future restoration projects throughout the Manatee River.
Oysters play an important role in improving water quality, providing habitat for marine life, and helping stabilize shorelines. By volunteering at this event, you'll directly support efforts to strengthen local ecosystems and create healthier waterways for wildlife and our community. Program suitable for ages 12+ No experience is necessary. Staff will provide instruction, tools, and all required safety equipment, including gloves, eye protection, dust masks, and earplugs. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/oyster-shell-drilling-and-oyster-pin-building. For more information please contact shelby.reece@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Jul 25th, 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: A.M. Risers Riverview Pointe Preserve – Ease into the morning with a coastal birding walk at Riverview Pointe Preserve, an 11‑acre waterfront gem tucked beside De Soto National Memorial. Expect peaceful shoreline views, neighborhood wildlife, and a variety of common coastal birds active in the early hours. Program runs 7:15–8:15 a.m., with an optional extension onto interconnected trails. Program suitable for adults. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing. We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toed shoes. Binoculars will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own Reservations are required. For more information please contact mailto:cierra.nelson@mymanatee.org. Riverview Pointe Preserve
Saturday, Jul 25th, 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
Sunday, Jul 26th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga – Light Waves Yoga is excited to offer a slow, gentle yoga class designed for pregnant and postpartum mothers. A sacred hour to breathe, move safely, and reconnect with yourself during one of life's most transformative seasons. Prenatal participants must be at least 12 weeks along. Program sponsored by Light Waves Yoga in partnership with Manatee County. All levels welcome, no experience needed. Feel comfortable texting instructor Briana with any questions: 941-254-1079. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://sites.google.com/view/light-waves-yoga/home. $20 Program Fee Payable Online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Tuesday, Jul 28th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – NEST Open House – 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
Tuesday, Jul 28th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – 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 ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn