November Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the November Calendar of Events
Friday 1st, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TALL TAIL TRIBE: NO BONES ABOUT IT – Do you have a backbone? Leap into the world of invertebrates! Engage all your little one’s senses through games, puppets, hike and a story that will inspire nature exploration. Discover different shapes, movements, and niches that make the invertebrates unique as we explore Florida’s backyard. Program suitable for preschool aged children. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6034. Emerson Point Preserve
Saturday 2nd, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – RYE PRESERVE NATURE CENTER OPEN – We are opening the doors of the newest addition to Rye Preserve. Come view a variety of exhibits that highlight the history of Rye and its uplands habitat. Department staff will take visitors on guided tours of the Center, and lead special hands-on activities related to each exhibit. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required, please visit any time during open house hours. For more information please email ecoevents@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 2nd, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SATURDAY MORNINGS AT THE NEST – Join us at the new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology for a morning of exploration. 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 panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required, please visit any time during open house hours. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST
Saturday 2nd, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – RYE PRESERVERS TRAILBLAZING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY– Join us for a day off the beaten path, making the trail more accessible for all. Part nature hike, part volunteering, this activity will trim back encroaching vines and branches from the trail. If you love native plants, biodiversity, seeds, and lending a helping hand, this is the workday for you! Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Rye Preserve
Saturday 2nd, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – STARRY NIGHT TELESCOPE EXPLORATION – Join us after sunset to watch the stars come out over Perico Preserve. Set your gaze skyward and search the heavens for a glimpse into the stars. Get a chance to view the skies through a high-powered telescope. Learn how to identify these heavenly bodies, and how you can star gaze at home too. Learn about our new Dark Skies citizen science initiative and how you can help monitor Manatee County’s dark skies using Globe at Night and the Loss of the Night app for iPhone and Android. The preserve is closed after dark, but we’re giving you a special opportunity to explore with a naturalist guide. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org to register. Perico Preserve
Sunday 3rd, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM – RISE & SHINE POWER FLOW YOGA – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This (power) yoga class is designed to blend awareness of breath, physical movement & mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories and detoxifying the body! Increase your overall well-being by ending & beginning your week with this empowering & uplifting flow! Suitable for adults. Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Tuesday 5th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – LIBRARY LEARNINGS: ANIMAL ARCHITECTS – Spiders weave webs, birds knit nests, and gopher tortoises dig burrows. Come discover all the amazing animal architects in your Florida backyard. Through hands on construction, games and stories, your child will explore the life of a wildlife builder. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for preschool age children. For more information please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6034 Island Library
Thursday 7th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: MIGHTY MIGRATORS – The season’s change will soon bring colder weather and a few new residents to our preserves. Learn all about the migration vacation that many birds take during this time of the year and discover how you can help our feathered friends during their trip. Bring your binoculars, or borrow some of ours, to search the skies for these fabulous fliers on a hike through Emerson Point Preserve! Program recommended for 6-10 year olds, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org Emerson Point Preserve
Friday 8th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – HEADWATERS BUTTERFLY COUNT – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for our very first Headwaters Butterfly Count, and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our seldom explored preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day out in the wild blue yonder studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. In partnership with the Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Headwaters Preserve
Saturday 9th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – RIVERVIEW POINTE MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Stroll through Riverview Pointe Preserve to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. The hike begins in the parking area of Desoto National Memorial Park and enters Riverview Pointe Preserve. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524. Riverview Pointe Preserve
Saturday 9th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – LIBRARY LEARNINGS: NATIVE AMERICAN TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY – How did Florida’s early inhabitants survive using only what this land had to offer? Join us for a hands-on exploration of the tools they used to catch food, build shelters and make fires. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for children of all ages and their families. No reservations needed. Palmetto Library
Saturday 9th, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – DUETTE SEED COLLECTION – Join us for a day in the wild blue yonder collecting seeds from grasses and wildflowers. These seeds will be used on restoration projects here in Manatee County. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Duette Preserve
Sunday 10th, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – MORNING FLOW YOGA BENNETT PARK – Join us for a NEW yoga program at Bennett Park. This FREE vinyasa yoga practice is open to all levels. Start your morning with an invigorating and grounding practice outdoors in the beautiful setting of Bennett Park. Pair your breath with physical movement to create greater awareness of the physical and mental bodies while gaining strength, flexibility and greater mindfulness. Feel free to bring your kids, your dogs, your friends and let's flow together as a community. Participants must provide own yoga mat. Program sponsored by Kelly Gleason of Studio K2G Yoga and Fitness. Please email michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Tom Bennett Park
Tuesday 12th, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – TORTOISE TALKS – Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn 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, why we have him, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. To register or for more information, please email coral.bass@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve
Tuesday 12th, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – SUNSET TAI CHI – Join us for this monthly class, on the lawn of the newly-opened Mosaic NEST! At sunset on the second Tuesday of the month, Dr. Brian Nell, a fifth degree blackbelt in kung fu and 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 – in case of weather, we will move into the NEST. Suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts. Suitable for ages 13 and up. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org to register. $5 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST
Wednesday 13th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR: CONSERVATORY PARK – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Join Kelly Berky for some Great Senior Friendly Birding. Explore the tall pines and forested areas surrounding a freshwater lake.at the hidden gem that is Conservatory Park. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. No reservation needed Conservatory Park
Thursday 14th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TREETOTS: COLOR OF NATURE – Blues of the water, green of the grass, and yellow of the sun. Bring your youngest tadpoles for an adventure into the palette of nature. Using flowers, shells, and wildlife we will explore the world of color found in nature. Program suitable for newborns to 2-year-old. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-748-4501 ext.6034. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday 14th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – NEST NATURE AFTERNOONS – The Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for an afternoon of exploration. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required, please visit any time during open house hours. For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday 14th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – SCIENCE AND SERVICE BOOK CLUB: RIVER OF GRASS – Looking for a volunteer opportunity in the cool of the evening at beautiful Robinson Preserve? Come out to the newest part of Robinson for our book club with a service twist. Every month we will read different book from science and history about Florida, and discuss, and follow it with a restoration project in the preserve. This month will be River of Grass by Marjorie Stoneman Douglass. Program is suitable for bookworms 14 and up. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday 16th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SATURDAY MORNINGS AT THE NEST – Join us at the new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology for a morning of exploration. 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 panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required, please visit any time during open house hours. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST
Saturday 16th, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – DISCOVER DUETTE WAGON TOUR: FALL WILDFLOWER TOUR – Healthy uplands equal healthy water, but what sort of exciting finds are waiting to be discovered in Duette’s natural habitats? Join preserve rangers and naturalists for a guided wagon tour that will feature information on the preserve’s natural and historical features. Learn about the location’s past, present, and future. Sponsored by the Manatee Fish and Game Association, Inc., in partnership with Manatee County’s Parks and Natural Resources Department. Participants are encouraged to bring a cushion for the wagon and lunch; water will be provided. Program suitable for participants age 13 and older. Reserve your spot at http://manatee-fish-game.ticketleap.com/duette-wagon-tour/ Duette Preserve
Saturday 16th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – EMERSON POINT MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Tour meets at the Tower Parking lot – the first parking area on the right. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524. Emerson Point Preserve
Saturday 16th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – RYE PRESERVE MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Take a hike through upland habitats along Rye Branch and learn about Florida native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area. Get a glimpse into the sea of palmettos and arid scrub that make up wild Florida. Drinking water, sturdy shoes, and hiking sticks are recommended Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524. Rye Preserve
Saturday 16th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – HOW DO I GET STARTED AND FALL IN LOVE WITH KAYAKING – If you have ever thought about kayaking, especially in our wonderful preserves, then this is for you! Listen, learn and ask questions as our kayak guide from WayneAdventures talks about the opportunities to paddle the Manatee County award winning blueway trails. How can I have a safe and wonderful experience? How do I choose the right kayak, paddle and gear? All attendees will receive a 'next step' checklist and a copy of Paddle Manatee, A Guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails. This class will meet in the Classroom near the Ranger’s Station. For more information or to reserve your spot, please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Emerson Point Preserve – Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station
Sunday 17th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – ROBINSON PRESERVE MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Stroll through Robinson Preserve to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524. Robinson Preserve
Sunday 17th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – RIDE TOM BENNETT PARK BY BIKE - Join us to explore the scenery and wildlife of "Old Florida" in Tom Bennett Park. We will cruise through the park at a casual pace keeping a lookout for local fauna and flora. The route takes in some loose gravel and uneven trail but is an easy cycle and can be enjoyed by inexperienced cyclists. Program suitable for ages 16 and older. Participants must have their own bicycle in good working condition. All participants must provide and wear their own helmet. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Tom Bennett Park
Sunday 17th, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM – RISE & SHINE POWER FLOW YOGA – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This (power) yoga class is designed to blend awareness of breath, physical movement & mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories and detoxifying the body! Increase your overall well-being by ending & beginning your week with this empowering & uplifting flow! Suitable for adults. Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Tuesday 19th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – STROLLER STROLL: PERICO – Round up your baby buggies, and your little ones for a strolling naturalist led walk through the counties wild spaces and read along with our story walk. Open your child’s eyes to the sights, smells, and feel of Florida’s great outdoors while learning about our preserve space. Meet other nature explorer families with similar aged kids. Program suitable for 0 to 4 years but families are welcome to join. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-4501 ext.6034. Perico Preserve
Wednesday 20th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – PADDLER’S ENVIRONMENTAL TOOLKIT TRAINING – The Paddler’s Environmental Toolkit Training program educates paddlers about the environments they travel through, how to best interact with wildlife and habitats, and empowers paddlers to serve as waterway stewards. The program includes three hours of classroom instruction, lunch provided by FPTA, and a short paddle on a nearby waterway to put into practice on the water some of the lessons learned in class. This class will meet in the Classroom near the Ranger’s Station. Participation limited 20 people who will need to bring their own kayaks and paddling gear. While kayaking, all participants are required to wear a life jacket. The program is free to members of the Florida Paddling Trails Association; $25 for non-members (which includes a one-year FPTA membership). Pre-registration is required. Please contact Jill Lingard at jill.lingard@gmail.com $25 for FPTA Non-Members (FREE for members). Emerson Point Preserve – Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station
Thursday 21st, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – GREEN EXPLORERS: ENGAGING EPIPHYTES – Explore the canopy layers of the trees and all the amazing epiphytes hiding among the branches. Using hands on discovery, and the participants own creativity attendees will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a low structure, highly social and experienced based activity. Program suitable for all ages recommended for age 6-12 year olds, but all ages welcome. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-4501 ext.6034. Conservatory Park
Thursday 21st, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – HOMESCHOOL BIOLOGY LAB: THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANKTON – Join us for our series of homeschool biology labs for middle and high school students. This recurring program will give older students the opportunity to participate in laboratory style programs and gain hands on experience. In this lab we will learn how to steal the secret krabby patty formula…Just kidding! In this lab we will discover a hidden world few humans have ever seen. A world of drifters in all shapes and sizes, from tiny algae and bacteria to animals longer than a blue whale. A place more diverse than any other, and the base for the largest food web on earth. Learn how to build a plankton collection device, view your catch under a microscope, and discover the secret world of plankton hiding right before your eyes. We will be wading in waist deep water during this program. Please wear closed toe shoes and clothing that can get wet. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Program recommended for students 11 years and older. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org $10 per student – payable by cash only. Emerson Point Preserve
Friday 22nd, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR: PERICO PRESERVE – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Join birder Cathy as you explore one of Manatee County's newest preserves. The newly created freshwater ponds and salt marshes of Perico Preserve provide an oasis for numerous species of birds. Check out the “locals” as well as the migratory birds that are wintering here. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. No reservation needed. For more information contact Cathy Davis at (561) 253-5025. Perico Preserve
Friday 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – JOHNSON BUTTERFLY COUNT – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the first ever Johnson Butterfly Count, and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our newest preserve. Bring your camera, guide books, and sense of adventure for a day out in the wild blue yonder studying these fascinating fliers. Start your very own butterfly checklist while learning how to identify native species. In partnership with the Wings Over Florida Butterfly Program. Program is suitable for volunteers 16 and older. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Johnson Preserve
Friday 22nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – KAYAKING FOR FIRST TIMERS – If you'd like to try kayaking, come on out! No prior experience necessary! Join our instructors from WayneAdventures for a 3-hour class during which we will explore the marshes and mangroves of Robinson Preserve. Plenty of time to try out kayaking and get some coaching, too. For those interested in learning how to load a kayak on your car, a demo will follow. Program suitable for adults who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Ten kayaks and gear are available from our WCIND-funded fleet on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please email ecoevents@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve
Friday 22nd, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: CAMPFIRE SONGS AND GAMES – Calling all lovers of s’mores! Do you ever yearn for evenings past, sitting around the fire with friends, roasting s’mores, singing silly songs, and playing campfire games? If so, we invite you to bring the whole family along for classic campfire experience. We will start with a short sunset hike at Rye Preserve, followed by songs, games, and s’mores around the campfire. Spaces are limited for this popular program. Please register early! Program suitable for all ages. Please bring along a camp chair if you have one. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 23rd, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET, STARLIGHT PADDLE ROBINSON PRESERVE – Join us for an easy sunset paddle along the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve to the mouth of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. We will take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbar and return under the light of the stars. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Program suitable for adults who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve
Sunday 24th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – RISE & SHINE POWER FLOW YOGA – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This (power) yoga class is designed to blend awareness of breath, physical movement & mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories and detoxifying the body! Increase your overall well-being by ending & beginning your week with this empowering & uplifting flow! Suitable for adults. Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Monday 25th, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM – EMERSON POINT PADDLE – Join our nature guide from WayneAdventures on a trip through Emerson Point’s mangroves and estuarine waterways and follow them out to Terra Ceia Bay. Learn about mangroves, estuaries and sea grasses and their importance. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 3-5 miles are welcome to attend. Program suitable for adults who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing ecoevents@mymanatee.org Emerson Point Preserve
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. This group meets when needed with locations and tasks determined based on need, opportunity, and priority, at the time of each event. 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 age 16 and older. To receive email announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, send an email to Erin at Erin.Struzzieri@mymanatee.org Location and time TBA - chosen based on need