April 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Download a printable version of the April Calendar of Events
Saturday, Apr 1st, 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. 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, Apr 1st, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Wild About Nature Festival – Join us for a day of fun and outdoor adventure at the Wild About Nature Festival. Reconnect with the great outdoors and help foster a love of nature in the next generation as you spend a day in the sun on the beautiful shores of Little Sarasota Bay at Bay Preserve in Osprey, FL. Families of all ages are encouraged to take part in this fun-filled day of nature-based education and exploration. The wide variety of activities will include dip-netting, face painting, hula-hoop lessons, crafts, games, and SO MUCH MORE! There will be live music and food trucks making this a guaranteed good time! Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Bay Preserve – 400 Palmetto Ave. Osprey, FL
Wednesday, Apr 5th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Pollinator Garden Planting Day – Come help us plant native pollinator plants around the Valentine House. Pollinator plants attract native nectar-seeking butterflies, moths, and bees, which are great for a healthy ecosystem. This is a great opportunity for students to earn up to 3 service hours. Program suitable for all ages. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring closed-toe shoes and a water bottle. Gloves, water, and all materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Wednesday, Apr 5th, 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 https://soarin4.org/. The Bishop Museum
Thursday, Apr 6th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM – Trail Team Thursday – Get outside, get moving, and meet new people! Volunteers are needed to help trim back the trails, pick up litter, and attend to minor trail maintenance issues at the beautiful Perico Preserve. This is a great opportunity for students to earn up to 3 service hours. 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. Perico Preserve
Thursday, Apr 6th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Homeschool Creature Feature: Snail Tale – 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 apple snail. Program suitable for ages 5 years old and up. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. Tom Bennett Park – Playground
Friday, Apr 7th, 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
Friday, Apr 7th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM OR 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Private GROUP Archery (4 Sessions) – Due to popular demand, we are now offering private archery sessions for families, friends, and small groups. In these private sessions, you may bring up to 10 participants for 1 hour of archery instruction and range time. Our instructors will provide your group with basic range safety, familiarization with archery equipment, and instruction in shooting techniques that create successful archers. Program is suitable for participants ages 6 and older. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with Manatee County. All equipment will be provided for use however, participants may bring their own archery equipment if desired. Reservations are required. To register please visit http://bit.ly/3JEvWFW. For more information please contact [email protected]. $50 Per Session Payable Online. Rye Preserve
Saturday, Apr 8th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, OR 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Youth Archery (3 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. Three identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://AprilArchery.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve
Saturday, Apr 8th, 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. The 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 protection, 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
Saturday, Apr 8th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Gopher Tortoise Day at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a celebration of Gopher Tortoise Day! 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 try our special tortoise-themed activities. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 8th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM – Rye Cemetery Preservation and Maintenance – Join us at the Rye Cemetery to clean the gravestones, make minor repairs to the fence and gate and trim trees along the Rye Settlement Trail leading to the cemetery. Program suitable for volunteers 10 years and older. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Water, gloves, and all materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Rye Preserve – Rye Settlement Trailhead
Wednesday, Apr 12th, 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, Apr 12th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Library Learning: Sowing the Seeds – A pinecone, acorn, and coconut are all seeds, proof that even a giant tree starts life as a tiny seed! Discover seed shapes and colors through hands-on exploration and imagination! Delve into a story, then create your very own seed craft. Program suitable for preschool-age children. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Braden River Library
Thursday, Apr 13th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Bug Out! – If it has six legs and three segments, it’s likely an insect! Step into the world of entomology as we take a closer look at the ground to explore insects beneath our feet. Learn about ant anatomy and peer through a microscope as we challenge your insect knowledge! 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/596031956627. For more information please contact sara.alvarez[email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Friday, Apr 14th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall Tails Tribe: Float Like a Butterfly Sink Like a Stone – Some objects float on the water's surface, some sink to the bottom, and some can do both! Bring your toddler to an exciting hands-on exploration of buoyancy. Discover how objects behave differently in salt and freshwater, then finish the day by making your very own boat! Program suitable for preschool-age children. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Apr 14th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Bug Out! – If it has six legs and three segments, it’s likely an insect! Step into the world of entomology as we take a closer look at the ground to explore insects beneath our feet. Learn about ant anatomy and peer through a microscope as we challenge your insect knowledge! 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/596055226227. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion
Saturday, Apr 15th, 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446062233147. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve
Saturday, Apr 15th, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Nature's Origami – Bring the whole family to explore the ancient art of paper folding. Join us as we learn a bit of the history of the art and try your hand at a few simple models. Follow along with guided origami models or fold at your own pace. Learn how to fold a variety of animals, flowers, and cool nature shapes! Program suitable for ages 8 and older. This is a free-flow program. Feel free to drop in for any length of time. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 15th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Family Fishing Club – Looking to try fishing? Have a burning question about a lure or rig? Bring your tackle or borrow ours and join us for fishing club! Listen to a local angler share their fishing experience and ask instructors anything and everything about fishing. Bait will be provided for the duration of the program. Fishing poles are available to borrow for the duration of the program. ¿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. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund and Palmetto Bait and Tackle in partnership with Manatee County. Our special guest speaker will be Chasten Whitfield. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/596065757727. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion
Wednesday, Apr 19th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Oyster Shell Drilling for Vertical Oyster Gardens – Volunteers wanted! Come help us drill holes into oyster shells that will be used to make Vertical Oyster Gardens, also known as VOGs. These VOGs will be installed at a later time under docks and other structures to provide a surface for live oysters to attach themselves. Oysters feed by filtering and cleaning water, a key to a healthy estuary and our marine ecosystem. Program suitable for adults. Please bring a water bottle. All other materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance
Thursday, Apr 20th, 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/569771681437. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge
Thursday, Apr 20th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Archaeo Paddle – Journey through the mangrove forests of Robinson Preserve with Florida Public Archaeology Network 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 Archaeology Network in partnership with Manatee County. 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/596116559677. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Robinson Preserve North Entrance – Kayak Launch
Thursday, Apr 20th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TreeTots: Fab Fliers – Fly to the NEST with your little chicks for a grand adventure into the world of fabulous fliers! 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 ages 2 and under. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/574822488537. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Friday, Apr 21st, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Nature Play Festival – Do you remember playing outside as a child, having so much fun that you would lose track of time? Bring your kids to this special event that's all about playing in the great outdoors! Build forts, blow bubbles, paint with mud, and so much more! Visit all the activity booths that this free event has to offer and enjoy quality time with your children at the beautiful G.T. Bray Park. Program suitable for all ages, recommended for children ages 2 to 10 years old and their families. Program sponsored by The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. GT Bray Park – Amphitheater
Saturday, Apr 22nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Perico Preserve – Explore one of Manatee County's coastal preserves with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what you see today. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee County UF IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446155371727. For more information please contact [email protected]. Perico Preserve – Pavilion
Saturday, Apr 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Earth Day at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a special Earth Day celebration! 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 try our Earth Day celebration activities! Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup – Celebrate Earth Day by helping to reduce our human impact on the oceans and the environment! Prepare to get muddy at this low-tide opportunity to clean the mangrove shoreline of this beautiful Preserve! Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet us at the Pavilion #3 parking lot, near the point. Please bring your own water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy - no flip-flops or bare feet! Ice water, litter grabbers, buckets, and trash bags will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594978967107. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point
Saturday, Apr 22nd, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Oscar Scherer State Park Earth Day and Scrub Jay Festival – Celebrate Earth Day and the Florida Scrub Jay at this special event! Knowledgeable interpreters will lead guided tram tours. Join a guided hike and learn about the scrub habitat while in search of scrub jays. Enjoy live music on the park stage, a photo contest exhibit, kids' activities and games, food vendors, and family-friendly booths and exhibitors. A scrub-jay presentation will include a Q&A. OneBlood donation mobile will also be on-site. Program suitable for all ages. Park entry and event are free however, there is a fee for the tram tours. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Oscar Scherer State Park
Saturday, Apr 22nd, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Earth Day at the Braden River Library – Celebrate Earth Day at the Braden River Library! Join us for a variety of earth day crafts and activities as we introduce our new Sensory Garden! Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Braden River Library – Back Patio
Tuesday, Apr 25th – Wednesday, Apr 26th, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM – Wilderness First Aid – This 2-day (20-hour) Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is for anyone who wants to learn life-saving skills in a variety of environments. The course is designed for remote environments (outdoors, disaster, travel, rural areas) and focuses on improvising with limited resources. Skills include how to recognize and effectively manage a medical emergency, how to treat a variety of injuries, bleeding, infection control, splinting fractures, and handling environmental emergencies such as heat exhaustion, lightning strikes, drowning, snake bites, and more. WFA is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts; those who travel internationally or to remote areas; homesteaders and those wanting to be more self-sufficient; those living in rural locations; students in the medical field who would like hands-on training; scout or trip leaders; and anyone who would like to learn first aid skills. The course will provide you with the nationally recognized SOLO WFA Certification, which lasts for 2 years, as well as Adult CPR certification. Participants must attend both days to receive their certification. Program suitable for participants ages 13 and older. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required. To register please visit http://bit.ly/3yVuQke. For more information please contact [email protected]. $245 Registration Fee Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom
Thursday, Apr 27th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Animal Abodes – Birds build nests and gopher tortoises dig burrows. Join us to discover a variety of animal homes! Using hands-on discovery and the participants’ 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 all ages, recommended for ages 6-12. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park
Thursday, Apr 27th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Shutter Stroll: Sunset Dip Net – Get ready to explore what lies beneath the waves as we dip net at beautiful Emerson Point Preserve. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn about the creatures that inhabit the seagrass and take up-close photos of shrimp, mollusks, and other marine wildlife. The program will conclude with a beautiful sunset for your photo finish! Program suitable for adults. A camera is not required to participate. Be sure to bring closed-toe shoes that can get wet and a towel. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ 569784148727. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – The Point
Friday, Apr 28th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Explore Nature! Outreach Booth: Manatees – Stop by our education table at beautiful Portosueno Park and learn all about manatees! These gentle giants are our county's namesake and are frequent visitors to the park. Enjoy interactive activities to learn about the amazing anatomy of manatees, and discover how you can help protect them in the wild. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Portosueno Park
Friday, Apr 28th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – EcoFlora Bioblitz – Join us on a quest to document as many plant species as possible for the Sarasota-Manatee EcoFlora Project! We will use the user-friendly iNaturalist app to document plant species during our survey of Moody Branch Wildlife and Environmental Area. The observations and data we record will help to better inform decisions about the management and conservation of our natural resources. Program suitable for ages 5 and up. Program sponsored by Selby Botanical Gardens in partnership with Manatee County. Students can earn up to 3 volunteer service hours. Dress for a day in the sun and be prepared to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain, including off-trail areas. Bring plenty of drinking water and a cell phone or camera. Restrooms are not available at his site. Please use the restroom before you arrive. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://7082.blackbaudhosting.com/7082/Moody-Branch-Bioblitz. For more information please contact [email protected]. Moody Branch Wildlife Environmental Area
Friday, Apr 28th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Toadtastic and Frogulous – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park for Nature Tales, our interactive story time program, followed by special activities and a walk in the great outdoors! This month we will learn about the amphibians that hop around our Florida backyards. Program suitable for children 8 years and younger. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park
Friday, Apr 28th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Bio Lab: Solar Powered – The sun is a star that emits light and heat. Learn to redirect the light and heat of the sun to solar energy! Discover the intricacies of energy with your lab partners. Make a yummy treat in a solar oven and take it home to see what else you can cook! 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. $10 Program Fee Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Nature Classroom
Saturday, Apr 29th, 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. The 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 visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/593736761637. GT Bray – Amphitheater
Saturday, Apr 29th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Astronomy Day at the NEST – Join us for a special NEST open house all about space! Check out our telescope workshop and astro-imaging discussions. Volunteers will be set up on the lawn with special telescopes to observe the sunspots and solar flares. Suncoast Stargazers will also be giving away a free telescope to one lucky attendee. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Suncoast Stargazers in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Apr 29th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Discover the Wonder of Learning – Discover the wonder of learning with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County! The whole family will enjoy a wide variety of engaging learning activities including art, theater, STEM, yoga, and so much more! There’s something for everyone at this exciting eclectic event! Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://remakelearningdays.org/event/discover-the-wonder-of-learning/ or contact [email protected]. Palmetto Boys and Girls Club
Saturday, Apr 29th, 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
Sunday, Apr 30th, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Sarasota Orchestra On The Road: Brass Quintet Performance – The Sarasota Brass Quintet will delight and entertain in this 1-hour program of favorites! On the Road with SO: Parks & Partners features the Sarasota Brass Quintet performing popular favorites under the oaks at the G.T. Bray Park Amphitheater (just behind the Happy Tails Dog Park). Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by the Sarasota Orchestra in partnership with Manatee County. We encourage you to bring a chair or outdoor blanket, sunscreen, bug spray, and something cool to drink (non-alcoholic beverages, only). Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/concerts/parks-and-partners/gt-bray-park-ampitheater. G.T. Bray Park - Amphitheater
Recurring Events
Saturday, April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 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