Robinson Preserve

Accessibility: There is one paved trail that begins at the entrance of Robinson Preserve and traverses the entire preserve ending at Manatee Avenue.  Most of the trails are packed shell through the preserve.  Please help to protect the habitat and resident wildlife by remaining on designated trails at all times.

Kayak/Canoeing: The launch is available near the entrance to the preserve. The Blueways Trails connect to the Manatee River, Perico Bayou, and Palma Sola Bay, comprising over 3 miles of internal trails. A 5-mile round-trip adventure would start at the launch and meander through the preserve to Palma Sola Bay and back.

Picnic Pavilions: Two locations are available by reservation or on a first-come-first-serve basis.  You can reserve a pavilion online here or by calling (941) 742-5923.

• Hours change seasonally and are posted on entrance signs. Trespassing prohibited when preserve is closed. Gates close automatically at time
  indicated on signs at entrance.
• Unattended vehicles left after sunset will be towed.
• Visitors must remain on mapped trails and boardwalks. Disturbing wildlife or destruction of habitat by walking or bicycling off trails is prohibited.
• Collecting of any kind is prohibited. All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected by federal, state, and local law.
• Alcohol, littering, & glass containers are prohibited on Preserve property.
• Drones and other remotely operated vehicles or toys are prohibited.
• Pet owners are responsible for keeping animals held on leash (maximum length of 8 ft) and under control at all times. Proper removal and disposal of pet waste is required. Pets are not allowed to damage habitat or approach wildlife by leaving trails or entering water bodies.
• Wildlife is protected by law from being hunted, harassed, injured, captured, chased, displaced or otherwise disturbed. Please enjoy viewing and photographing wildlife from a distance.
• Fishing is allowed at piers and bridges only using rod and reel. Wading and cast nets are prohibited inside Preserve property.
• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and obey posted speed limits.
• Paddle trail users must use landing areas provided to beach. Shorelines
  are protected.
• Unregistered motorized vehicles and motorized vessels of any kind are prohibited on Preserve property. This includes ATVs, off-road motorcycles, golf carts, powered bicycles or scooters, vessels with motors or any device which is not self propelled with exceptions of mobility aids as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Preserve employees reserve the right to expel visitors for violation of these rules and/or any listed in Manatee County Code Chapter 2-24.

VIOLATIONS PUNISHABLE BY FINE OR IMPRISONMENT UNDER MANATEE COUNTY CODE OF ORD. CHAPTER 2-24 STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

Explore the Coastal Paradise in your Backyard

Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve includes 679 acres of coastal grasslands, saltern, marsh, and mangrove habitat. These systems support a variety of rare wildlife, presenting careful observers with an opportunity to see roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles, and least terns in their natural environment. Sprouting up from the salty soil are a vast array of intriguing plants, including saltwort, glasswort, and succulent sea purslane.

Robinson Preserve offers visitors numerous ways to explore the coastal habitats. Scale the 40-foot tall observation tower for a view of four counties and five water bodies or check out the view from the camera in the Valentine House Visitor’s Center. Bike or roller blade on 2.5 miles of paved trail, and hikers can explore more than 5 miles of shell and coastal trails. For paddlers, Robinson Preserve’s 2.5 miles of blueways present a chance to navigate through mangrove tunnels, marshes, and more. The opportunities are endless.

It takes a Community to build a Preserve

The restoration work at Robinson Preserve represents an incredible partnership between numerous local, state, and national agencies. Florida Communities Trust was the County’s significant partner with a grant of $6 million applied to the County’s $10 million purchase of the property. Additional supporters included Southwest Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

These agencies have contributed financial assistance and consulting services, supporting Manatee County’s commitment to preserving and restoring sensitive lands and natural resources.