Education Programs & Events

EcoEvents: Outdoor Education Programs & Events Calendar

July Calendar of Events

Download a printable version of the July Calendar of Events

Saturday 20^th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – EXPLORE BOWFISHING – Explore the art of bowfishing: using a bow and arrow to catch fish. This dry-land class will introduce you to the equipment and techniques used in bowfishing. Learn the skills necessary to make your shot and try your hand at our demonstration range. Prior archery experience is recommended, but not required. Program suitable for ages 9 and up. All necessary equipment will be provided thanks to a grant from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida with support from the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039. Rye Preserve

Saturday 20^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Sunday 21^st, 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!  Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Suitable for adults. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039 to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday 24^th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – AG AT NIGHT: PLANTS AND POLLINATORS – Plants serve a greater purpose than just food! Join us for an adults only (18+) exploration of the plants and pollinators of Florida. We’ll look at how plants can be used as medicine and dyes. Learn how pollinators are needed and create a home to encourage pollinators in your garden. We’ll also plant native plants, look at invasive vs. native plants, and more! Guests will experience hands on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations, and more! Program suitable for adults ages 18 and older. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ag-at-night-plants-and-pollinators-tickets-53917120559 Tickets $10. Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Saturday 27^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Tuesday 30^th, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM – PRESERVE AMBASSADORS: RYE PRESERVE – This course is designed to help volunteers learn more about Manatee County’s preserve system, transforming graduates of each class into ambassadors for the individual locations. This course focuses on Rye Preserve’s history, habitats, and wildlife. All participants will receive a certificate of completion and pin for this course.  Program suitable for PNRD registered volunteers age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Please email  aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. 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. 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

August Calendar of Events

Download a printable version of the August Calendar of Events

Friday 2^nd, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – AQUATIC WILD EDUCATOR WORKSHOP – This FREE educational workshop will teach you how to use Florida’s water dwelling wildlife in exciting new lessons. The workshop will include activities to use with students along with your own copy of the AQUATIC WILD activity guide. Please pack a lunch. Workshop co-sponsored by Project WILD Florida. Program suitable for anyone 16 or older working with kids or interested in environmental education. Reservations are required.  Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6034. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST

Saturday 3^rd, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Sunday 4^th, 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!  Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Suitable for adults. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039 to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

 Friday 9^th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - MANATEE MARINE EXPLORERS DAY CAMP – Do you love the ocean? Then this camp is for you! The Manatee Marine Explorers Day Camp created by two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agents will show kids what is like to be a Marine Scientist. Discover the diversity of marine life with hands-on activities including how to collect a water sample, filter water samples, taking a nature walk, kayaking, and dip netting. Sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension. Program suitable for ages 8 to 12. Registration is capped at 25 participants and will close August 4th. For registration and more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/ManateeMarine $25 per student. Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 10^th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Tuesday 13^th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET TAI CHI – Join us for this new monthly class, now 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.  Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts. Suitable for ages 13 and up. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039 to register. $5 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday 17^th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

 Saturday 24^th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Sunday 25^th, 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!  Participants must provide their own yoga mats. Program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. Suitable for adults. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6039 to register. $10 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday 31^st, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SUMMER SATURDAYS 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. For more information please email ecoevents@mymantee.org 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. 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

Participation Requirements for Manatee County Kayaks

In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a volunteer, Kayaking for Beginners, Kayaking for First Timers, or Beginner Level Kayak Trip, or to participate in any paddling program, participants:

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
• Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
• Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
• Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
• Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
• Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
• Must have the ability to breathe independently
• Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
• Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water

In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a summer camp program, participants:

• Must be 9 years of age or older (note: age limit is lower as this program is specifically designed as a direct instructional for this age group; guide to paddler ratio is much lower)
• Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
• Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
• Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
• Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
• Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
• Must have the ability to breathe independently
• Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
• Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
• Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water

In the event of capsize for any program, one:

• Must have the ability to get out from under the watercraft independently
• Must have the ability to right oneself and remain face up in the water with the aid of a personal flotation device