May 2023 Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the May Calendar of Events
Friday, May 19th, 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 19th, 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 19th, 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 19th, 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 19th, 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 25th, 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 26th, 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 26th, 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 27th, 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 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 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