Education Programs & Events

Program Spotlight

Adventure Summer Camps

Freshwater Fishing Camp at Conservatory Park

Session 1: June 5-9 
Session 2: June 12-16

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Friday
Ages 9-12 | $175

Want to sign up for a camp?

Register Today

EcoEvents: Outdoor Education Programs & Events Calendar

All of our public events are open to individuals and their family members. For large groups, we ask that each family register individually. If you have a school, camp, club, or other group that would like to participate in a program, please contact [email protected] to set up a private program.

May 2023 Calendar of Events 

Download a printable version of the May Calendar of Events

Friday, May 19^th, 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/619807600217. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – Longboat Key Bridge

Friday, May 19^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Story Walk Sign Repair – We will be replacing 4 of the Story Walk signposts that were broken. Come lend us a hand! Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Long lightweight clothing is recommended. Water, gloves, and all other materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Bennett Park

Friday, May 19^th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall Tails Tribe: Bubble Bonanza – Who does not love bubbles? A classic activity, let us experiment with unbreakable bubbles, colored and giant airy suds. Build your very own blower and discover new ways to make bubbles so much fun! 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, May 19^th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – All About Trees – Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover selection and planting, maintenance, pruning, and long-term care considerations. This program is specifically targeted at individuals with responsibility for tree care in their communities. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/608646848107. For more information please contact [email protected]. $5 Registration Fee Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom

Friday, May 19^th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Zoomed In – Zoom in to the microscopic natural world! Work with your friends to find and identify different microscope sample slides. Learn how to properly use a microscope and the science behind the lens. 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/616697899017. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Thursday, May 25^th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Explore the Shore – Snorkel among the seagrass beds and shady mangrove roots to discover wild creatures below the water’s surface! Novice and experienced snorkelers will delight in viewing Neal Preserve's shallow coastal waters from a new perspective. Nets will be available to scoop up animals for closer examination. Green Explorers is a low-structured, highly social, and experienced-based activity. Program suitable for all ages recommended for ages 6-12-year-olds, but all ages welcome. We will be walking to the cove, so protective shoes that can get wet are greatly encouraged. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Neal Preserve – Pavilion

Friday, May 26^th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Mysterious Mushroom – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park for an interactive story time, activities, and a walk in the great outdoors. This month we will discover the magical and mysterious mushroom. 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 – Playground Pavilion

Friday, May 26^th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Bio Lab: Projectile Motion – Set your sights on the sky as we explore projectile motion! Projectile motion is a form of motion experienced by an object projected in a gravitational field. Build a catapult and experiment with force and speed. Program suitable for students ages 10 - 15. The 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. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom

Saturday, May 27^th, 8:30 PM – 10:30 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot 

Recurring Events

Saturday, May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^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 [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

JUNE 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Download a printable version of the June Calendar of Events 

Saturdays, June 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th, 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

Monday, June 12th, 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://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=100004. For more information please contact [email protected]. $10 Registration Fee Payable Online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday, June 16th, 2 SESSIONS 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Dip Net – Get your feet wet and explore the shore as we dip our nets in the water. Take a closer look at sea creatures in their natural environment! Who eats who and why are they here? We’ll answer these questions and more! Two sessions available. 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 required. To register please visit https://homeschoolscienceclub.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion 1

Saturday, June 17th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Family Fishing Club – Looking to try some fishing? Have a burning question about a lure? Bring your tackle or borrow ours and join us for fishing club! Listen to a local angler present about their fishing experience, share with the fishing community and ask instructors anything and everything about fishing. Bait will be provided for the duration of the program. Fishing poles available to borrow for the duration of the program through reservation. ¿Le gustaría experimentar con la pesca? ¿Tiene una pregunta sobre un señuelo? ¡Traiga su equipo de pesca o hasta tome el de nosotros prestado y únase al club de pesca! Escucharan a pescadores de la comunidad presentar sobre su experiencia pescando en el área, comparta entre la comunidad de otros pescadores y pregunte cualquier duda sobre la pesca a instructores. Carnada será proveída durante el evento y cañas de pescar estarán disponibles para tomar prestadas por la duración del evento por reservación. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by George H.W Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund and Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network in partnership with Manatee County. Free fishing lures will be provided to registered participants. Participants will have the opportunity to fish off jon boats for a limited time. Participants may also bring non motorized vessels such as kayak or canoes for personal use. Reservations required. To register please visit https://familyfishingclub.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Conservatory Park – Large Pavilion

Thursday, June 29th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Ecoflora Bioblitz - Pine Island Paddle – Located in the mouth of the Braden River, Pine Island Preserve is an 89-acre refuge for wildlife, including towering longleaf pine trees and nesting American Bald Eagles. Join us for a volunteer event to document plant and animal species for the Sarasota Manatee Ecoflora Project. This is an intermediate paddle not suitable for beginning kayakers. Single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow on a first-come-first-served basis. If you would like to borrow a kayak, please choose the "borrow a kayak" ticket type. Otherwise, participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear, including a life jacket and whistle. All participants must wear a life jacket while on the water. Program suitable for ages 16 and older who can meet the County's minimum kayaking eligibility requirements. Program sponsored by Selby Botanical Gardens in partnership with Manatee County. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes that strap or tie to your feet, no flip-flops. Your feet will get wet and muddy. Please bring a cell phone or camera to document wildlife! You may wish to download the iNaturalist app prior to the program. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/616491581917. For more information please contact [email protected]. SR 64 Boat Ramp – 3020 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208

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