March 2023 Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the March Calendar of Events
Wednesday, Mar 1st, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Emerson Point – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! An 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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 592-7622. Emerson Point Preserve – Ranger's Station
Wednesday, Mar 1st, 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 Natural Resources. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://soarin4.org/. The Bishop Museum
Thursday, Mar 2nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Trail Team Thursday – Come help us trim back the trails, pick up litter, and attend to any other minor trail maintenance issues we stumble upon while soaking up the gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay! Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Long lightweight clothing is recommended. Water and all other materials, including gloves, will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Neal Preserve – Parking Lot
Thursday, Mar 2nd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Homeschool Creature Feature: Gulf Fritillary – Zoom in on the natural world and focus on one wonderous animal species! Discover the identifiable movements and characteristics of our featured species as well as their favorite habitats. Then venture into one of Manatee County's' preserves with your homeschooler to track the featured creature in the wild. This month we will embark on an epic search for the graceful gulf fritillary butterfly. Program suitable for children ages 5 years and up. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance
Saturday, Mar 4th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Emerson Point – Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by UF IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Please meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the Ranger Station) at 9 AM. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle, sun and insect protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/468427307687. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Tower Parking Lot
Saturday, Mar 4th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Hike with a Librarian – Hike with a Manatee County Librarian along the trails of Robinson Preserve and discuss a non-fiction book while enjoying Florida's scenery. After the discussion, a Manatee County Natural Resources guide will talk about the local fauna and flora and the history of the area. If there is still time after the talk, we will walk around the preserve at a leisurely pace. This month's book is Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America by Peter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/10132037. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-5555 ext. 6334. Robinson Preserve
Saturday, Mar 4th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Native Little One Art Club: Spring – Celebrate spring by learning about plants and their many uses! Students will paint a terra cotta planter and plant a herb seedling to care for, grow, and use for home remedies and cooking. Then we'll make edible watercolors to experiment with abstract art making and create a kid-friendly elderberry drink with honey, cinnamon, clove, and orange peel. Program suitable for ages 4 to 8 years old. Program sponsored by Native Little One in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Registration and payment are required prior to attendance Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. $40 Program Fee. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Mar 11th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Riverview Pointe – Casually stroll through to enjoy the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by UF IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle, sun and insect protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/441206910747. For more information please contact [email protected]. Riverview Pointe Preserve – Parking at DeSoto National Memorial
Monday, Mar 13th – Friday Mar 17th, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Taller de Pesca Familiar – En este taller gratuito familias participantes aprenderán todo lo necesario para pescar practicando captura y suelta de peces. Disfruta un día, 9 am a 2 pm, de naturaleza y pesca junto a tus niños mientras reman en su kayak. Cada niño o participante juvenil se llevará una caña de pescar, equipo de pesca y otros recursos para la continuación de la pesca recreativa. El almuerzo será proveído para cada participante.
In this free, bilingual, Spanish-language workshop, participating families will learn everything they need to practice catch and release recreational fishing. Enjoy a day full of fishing and nature, from 9 am to 2 pm, as you paddle down the river with your kids! Each child or youth participant will take a fishing rod, fishing equipment, and other resources home to continue the fishing experience. Lunch will be provided for each participant. Programa apropriado para familias. Program suitable for families. Program sponsored by George H.W Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund and Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Todos los participantes juveniles deben ser acompañados por un padre o tutor legal. Parientes pueden ser acompañados por el mismo padre o tutor legal. Participantes juveniles deben ser menores bajo la edad de 17. Al inscribirse en este evento accede a participar en múltiples encuestas evaluando sus actitudes al tema de la pesca. Por favor solo inscríbase en una sesión. All youth participants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Relatives may be accompanied by the same parent or legal guardian. Youth participants must be 17 or under. Reservaciones requeridas. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/530538905147. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Monday, Mar 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 rain or shine. Program Suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=100004. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Mar 15th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Explore Nature! Temple Mound – Visit the top of the Portevant Temple Mound and explore the unique beauty of Emerson Point Preserve! Stop by to chat with a naturalist and learn about the preserve's plants, animals, and history. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – Portevant Temple Mound
Friday, Mar 17th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Explore Nature! Tower Talk – Visit the top of the tower at Robinson Preserve to take in the beautiful views of Tampa Bay! Stop by to chat with a naturalist and learn about the preserve's plants, animals, and history. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Tower
Saturday, Mar 18th, 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 with a Master Gardener Guide. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee County UF IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446062233147. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve
Saturday, Mar 18th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM OR 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM – 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 Natural Resources. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://MarchArchery.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve
Saturday, Mar 18th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, OR 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Escape Room: Sinking Ship – Become one of Florida’s first commercial fishermen and solve interactive puzzles to escape an arduous journey at sea. Find hidden clues and collect the items you will need to break free from the ship’s hold. Will you escape or remain trapped under the captain’s hand? Program suitable for all ages. Four identical sessions are offered, please register for one session. Sessions are limited to 7 participants. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children throughout the experience. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 -Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Wednesday, Mar 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Conservatory Park Trail Clearing Workday – Help us clear brush alongside the trail and future dock area at Conservatory Park to create room to safely launch small watercraft. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Long lightweight clothing is recommended. Water and all other materials, including gloves, will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Conservatory Park – Dock
Thursday, Mar 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TreeTots: Nature Numbers – Do you know how many eyes a spider can have? Learn and explore the wonderful world of nature through numbers! Using songs, exploration, and activities your tiny family members will discover the amazing natural wonders, big and small, found in your very own backyard. Program suitable for newborns- 2-year-olds. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/536204200197. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Robinson Preserve – NEST
Thursday, Mar 23rd, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Defying Gravity – It keeps our feet on the ground and our heads in the clouds, we're talking gravity! Come explore the physics of gravity as we challenge students to design and build a contraption that can defy gravity. Test the rate at which an object falls and make observations as we explore the outdoors. 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://www.eventbrite.com/e/532085150007. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Friday, Mar 24th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Rye Pioneer History Tour – Get a taste of the wilderness at Rye Preserve. Learn about the historic Town of Rye, a booming pioneer settlement turned ghost town along the banks of the Manatee River. Visit the Rye family cemetery and explore the Rye Nature Center on this historical tour. Program recommended for adults. Terrain is sandy and uneven, not suitable for strollers or mobility devices, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/533754402787. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Friday, Mar 24th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall Tails Tribe: Living or Nonliving – Take a deep breath, you are alive! Trees, mushrooms, and a bird are all living things, but not everything you see is alive. Rocks, clouds, and sand are all nonliving objects that are an important part of our local ecosystem. Through games, songs, and a nature walk we will discover what parts of our ecosystem are living and nonliving. Program suitable for preschool-age children. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Mar 24th, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K/10K Race – Join us for the 15th Annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K & 10K! Festivities kick off with age-bracketed Kids Dashes at 5:45 pm, then runners and walkers hit the trails at 6:15 pm for a 5K or 10K race with stunning sunset views. Relax after the race and enjoy the awards ceremony with food and beverages under the stars at the beautiful Robinson Preserve. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2023/60664/2023-robinson-preserve-twilight-5k-and-10k-run. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve
Saturday, Mar 25th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Reasoner Tract Plant Walk – Join us for a leisurely stroll around the grounds of the Reasoner Tract to discover the fascinating history of the Reasoner Brothers Nursery and the tropical plants surrounding the NEST. Once used as a botanical test plot, this site is flourishing with unique plants from around the world. Learn about the significance of these flora and uncover a piece of Manatee County's pioneer history. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/519938358627. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – NEST Grounds
Saturday, Mar 25th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Litter Cleanup – Come help us pick up litter at the beautiful Robinson Preserve! This effort is in conjunction with the Palmetto High School Cadets. We will be starting at the Expansion Parking Lot (just north of the NEST) and working our way to the NEST and Canopy Zone. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Water and all other materials, including gloves, will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
Saturday, Mar 25th, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Starry Night Astronomy – Join us for an astronomical extravaganza! Dozens of local astronomers will be set up in the Robinson Preserve Expansion with telescopes at the ready. Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and exploration as we view the skies through high-powered telescopes. Learn how to identify heavenly bodies, and how you can stargaze at home too. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Suncoast Stargazers in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
Wednesday, Mar 29th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: Epiphytes – Join us for a relaxing stroll through Rye Preserve to look for epiphytes. This unique group of plants grows on the surface of other plants and gains nutrients from the air, rain, and water around them. Learn how to identify some of Florida's most common epiphytes while discovering the important role they play in our ecosystem. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/537842931687. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Thursday, Mar 30th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Archaeo Paddle – Journey through the mangrove forests of Robinson Preserve with Archeologist Rachael Kangas and discover the historical uses of the land, ecological restoration and how to spot the evidence or remains 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 Archaeologist Network in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow free of charge on a first come-first served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket and bring a whistle. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/531991931187. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Robinson Preserve North Entrance – Kayak Launch
Thursday, Mar 30th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Crafting Cordage – Long before grocery stores, many of our supplies came from nature and personal ingenuity. Join us to discover the who, what, where, and why of cordage! Using hands-on discovery and the participant's creativity, homeschoolers will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a low-structured, highly social, and experienced-based activity. Program suitable for ages 6-12 year-olds but all ages welcome. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Mar 31st, 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/537858879387. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge
Friday, Mar 31st, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Flower Power – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us for Nature Tales, a special storytime program that meets monthly at Conservatory Park. After storytime, children will participate in hands-on activities and take a walk in the great outdoors. This month we will discover the amazing power of flowers and the significant role they play in the lifecycle of plants. Program suitable for children 8 years old and younger. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Conservatory Park – Pavilion
Friday, Mar 31st, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Defying Gravity – It keeps our feet on the ground and our heads in the clouds, we're talking gravity! Come explore the physics of gravity as we challenge students to design and build a contraption that can defy gravity. Test the rate at which an object falls and make observations as we explore the outdoors. 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://www.eventbrite.com/e/532121889897. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Mar 31st, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Bio Lab: Seeing Double – If you are reading this, your eyes are likely hard at work! Eyes grant us the sense of sight. In this program, we will experiment with vision and depth perception as we create our own scope. Then we'll discuss the anatomy of the eye and dissect a cow's eye. Program suitable for students ages 10 - 15. Age limit is strictly enforced. Homeschool Bio Lab is an advanced course where we explore higher scientific concepts and the scientific method through dissections, chemistry, and biology experiments. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110007. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 – Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Recurring Events
Saturday, Mar 4th, 11th, 18th, 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 ages 16 and older. To receive email announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, please email [email protected]. Location and time TBA - chosen based on need