September 2024 Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the September Calendar of Events
Wednesday, Sep 4th, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Weekly Oyster Drilling – Manatee County and Oyster River Ecology, a local non-profit organization, are partnering to restore oyster reefs in Manatee County. This partnership will focus on restoration of 16 acres of oyster habitat in the Manatee River. Please join us each Wednesday from 8 am – noon to drill oyster shell, build oyster anchors, and learn more about restoration in the Manatee River. Volunteer program suitable for adults. Registration is required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-weekly-oyster-drilling. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Wednesday, Sep 4th, 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. Feel free to stop by at any point during this informal program. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – NEST Lawn
Wednesday, Sep 4th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Weekly Oyster Drilling – Manatee County and Oyster River Ecology, a local non-profit organization, are partnering to restore oyster reefs in Manatee County. This partnership will focus on restoration of 16 acres of oyster habitat in the Manatee River. Please join us each Wednesday from 8 am – noon to drill oyster shell, build oyster anchors, and learn more about restoration in the Manatee River. Volunteer program suitable for adults. Registration is required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-weekly-oyster-drilling. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Saturday, Sep 7th, 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/september-youth-archery-2024. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Saturday, Sep 7th, 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. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Sep 7th, 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://events.humanitix.com/robinson-astronomy. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
Monday, Sep 9th, 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
Tuesday, Sep 10th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/september-robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead
Wednesday, Sep 11th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Weekly Oyster Drilling – Manatee County and Oyster River Ecology, a local non-profit organization, are partnering to restore oyster reefs in Manatee County. This partnership will focus on restoration of 16 acres of oyster habitat in the Manatee River. Please join us each Wednesday from 8 am – noon to drill oyster shell, build oyster anchors, and learn more about restoration in the Manatee River. Volunteer program suitable for adults. Registration is required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-weekly-oyster-drilling. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Wednesday, Sep 11th, 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. Feel free to stop by at any point during this informal program. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – NEST Lawn
Wednesday, Sep 11th, 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, Sep 12th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TreeTots: Light and Dark – Bring your little one for an enlightening light exploration program. Engage all the senses through movement, lights, and reflections, inspiring nature exploration in the safety of our county site, The Nest. TreeTots is an interactive activity that introduces babies and toddlers to the natural world. Program suitable for newborns to 2 year olds. Reservations are required To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/treetots-light-and-dark. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday, Sep 12th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Alien Invaders (Rye) – Is that an alien in your backyard? Come learn about common invasive species that threaten Florida habitats. Play games, make a craft and explore the outdoors as we weed out invasive species. 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 the session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/alieninvadersrye. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Friday, Sep 13th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Alien Invaders (Emerson) – Is that an alien in your backyard? Come learn about common invasive species that threaten Florida habitats. Play games, make a craft and explore the outdoors as we weed out invasive species. 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 the session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/alieninvadersemerson. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1
Saturday, Sep 14th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Fishing Club – Looking to try fishing? Have a burning question about a lure or rig? Bring your fishing gear or borrow ours and come get your answers at Fishing Club! Instructors can answer your questions, teach you the basics or just recommend the best places to fish in the preserve. Fishing poles are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis, for the duration of the program. Bait will be provided for the duration of the program. ¿Le gustaría experimentar con la pesca? ¿Tiene una pregunta sobre un señuelo de pesca? ¡Traiga su equipo de pesca o hasta tome el de nosotros prestado y disfrute de un día de pesca! Los maestros les pueden responder a sus preguntas, enseñarle lo básico sobre la pesca o hasta recomendar áreas para pescar en la reserva natural. La carnada será proveída durante el evento y habrán cañas de pescar, mientras disponibles, para tomar prestadas por la duración del evento. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/fishing-club. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – South Fishing Dock
Saturday, Sep 14th, 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. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Sep 14th, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/september-robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead
Saturday, Sep 14th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Bilingual Sunset Tour – Join us to explore the rich history of fishing “ranchos” along the Gulf Coast for Latino Conservation Week! This bi-lingual program will take participants to the site of a former fishing rancho at Emerson Point Preserve, and we’ll explore the connection of land and water in the past and how it tied people together along the Gulf and down to Cuba!” Ven a caminar y explorar las abundantes historias del pasado cuando las costas del Golfo fueron habitadas por comunidades de pescadores o ranchos. Celebra la semana de conservación latina aprendiendo sobre la historia local. En este programa bilingüe, participantes exploraran la conexión entre el mar y la tierra para los habitantes del pasado, desde el Golfo hasta Cuba. ¡Ven a ver el atardecer y disfrutar de la naturaleza! Program suitable for ages 10 and up. Program sponsored by Florida Public Archaeology Network in partnership with Manatee County. Tour will be available in English and Spanish. Meet in front of the bathrooms. Programa apropiado para edades de 10 años o más. Excursión disponible en español e inglés. Nos encontraremos al frente de los baños. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/bilingual-sunset-tour. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – In front of restrooms
Tuesday, Sep 17th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/september-robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead
Wednesday, Sep 18th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Weekly Oyster Drilling – Manatee County and Oyster River Ecology, a local non-profit organization, are partnering to restore oyster reefs in Manatee County. This partnership will focus on restoration of 16 acres of oyster habitat in the Manatee River. Please join us each Wednesday from 8 am – noon to drill oyster shell, build oyster anchors, and learn more about restoration in the Manatee River. Volunteer program suitable for adults. Registration is required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-weekly-oyster-drilling. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Wednesday, Sep 18th, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM – Toddler Storytime: Animal Architects – Explore the wild world as we learn about different animals that build! Birds build nests and spiders build webs. What other animals will you find as we play games and read together? Program suitable for children and their families. No reservations required. Braden River Library
Wednesday, Sep 18th, 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. Feel free to stop by at any point during this informal program. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – NEST Lawn
Friday, Sep 20th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall Tail Tribe: Melty Smelty – Floridians know heat! Ever wonder how heat can affect an item? Through hands on exploration, song and games we will discover the amazing superpower of heat. Program suitable for all ages recommended for preschool age children. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/tall-tail-tribe-melty-smelty. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1
Friday, Sep 20th, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Wildlife Spotlight: Shorebirds – Found along the sandy coastline, shorebirds are a diverse, unique group of animals! Join us for a sunset walk along Coquina Beach to look for shorebirds like skimmers, plovers, and gulls, and learn to identify them. Discover the important role shorebirds play in our ecosystem, and enjoy the beautiful beach sunset. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/seashell-shore-walk-september-2024. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – Café
Saturday, Sep 21st, 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. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Sep 21st, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – North River Fire Department Open House – Join us for a family fun day filled with activities and education for the whole community. North River Fire District Station 1, adjacent to the Manatee County Fairgrounds, will be showcasing public service and nonprofit agencies in Manatee County. Event suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://www.nrfd.org/openhouse. North River Fire District Station 1
Tuesday, Sep 24th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/september-robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead
Wednesday, Sep 25th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Weekly Oyster Drilling – Manatee County and Oyster River Ecology, a local non-profit organization, are partnering to restore oyster reefs in Manatee County. This partnership will focus on restoration of 16 acres of oyster habitat in the Manatee River. Please join us each Wednesday from 8 am – noon to drill oyster shell, build oyster anchors, and learn more about restoration in the Manatee River. Volunteer program suitable for adults. Registration is required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-weekly-oyster-drilling. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
Wednesday, Sep 25th, 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. Feel free to stop by at any point during this informal program. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – NEST Lawn
Thursday, Sep 26th, 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 bring you up to speed on the latest research in malacology. 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-september-2024. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – Longboat Key Bridge
Thursday, Sep 26th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Nature's Symphony – From the chirp of a chickadee to the wind rustling tree leaves, music is found at your doorstep. Come detect different ways nature makes music and see if you can make your very own, using only natural items. 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/green-explorers-nature-s-symphony. For more information please contact [email protected]. Perico Preserve
Friday, Sep 27th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Feet are Neat – 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 animal feet and the ways they use their hoofs, toes, and incredible feet. Program suitable for 8 year old and younger. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-tales-feet-are-neat. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Playground Pavilion
Saturday, Sep 28th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – National Public Lands Day - Shoreline Cleanup – Celebrate National Public Lands Day by helping us clean the beautiful mangrove shores of Emerson Point Preserve! Program suitable for all ages. 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://events.humanitix.com/national-public-lands-day-shoreline-cleanup. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Pavilion #3
Saturday, Sep 28th, 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. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Sep 28th, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/september-robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead