October Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the October Calendar of Events
Mondays September 9th – October 28th, 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM – TINKERGARTEN AT TOM BENNETT PARK – Every Monday this Fall, families meet outdoors to connect and learn through play. In each session of our fall series, Tinkergarten Leader, Kristin Trezza, will facilitate a different expert-designed play lesson, welcoming children of various ages and needs to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together. And, all of our fall play lessons are inspired by a common play theme – SCIENTIST PLAY! In Tinkergarten class, parents and caregivers will also learn about how children develop through play and how to support play at home. The Tinkergarten program progresses to meet each child’s needs, season after season. This Fall, the curriculum for 3-8 years will support kids in developing a cognitive, social/emotional and physical skills, which every lesson will put special emphasis on our season’s focus—Sensory Learning. Suitable for ages 3-8 years. Program sponsored by Tinkergarten in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. Class has begun but you can still join for a prorated price. To reserve your space, please visit https://tinkergarten.com/classes/108067 $140 per student for 8 sessions. Tom Bennett Park
Tuesday 1st, 10:00 AM -11:00 AM – LIBRARY LEARNINGS – BUG BONANZA: Do you love bugs? Bring your little caterpillar for an exploration of scampering bugs! Engage all your little one’s senses through sounds, puppets, and a story that will inspire nature exploration. Discover different ways bugs move, the different foods they eat, and the roles they play in our Florida backyards. 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
Wednesday 2nd, 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET FLOW YOGA – NEW! Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This flow 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 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
Thursday 3rd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – MOLLUSKS MONTHLY – 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 adults. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or e-mail elena.burke@mymanatee.org. Coquina Beach Concessions
Thursday 3rd, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: SPOOKY SCIENCE – Whoooo’s ready for Halloween? Explore a whole new world of creepy creatures and eerie experiments in this Halloween special! From slime to spider webs, discover some of nature’s very own thrills and chills while engaging in hands on activities that the whole family can enjoy. Join us if you dare! Costumes are encouraged! 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 or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve
Saturday 5th, 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 5th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – ADULT 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 necessary equipment will be provided thanks to a grant from the Easton Sports Development Foundation. Program is suitable participants 16 years and older. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 5th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – 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 ages 6 to 16 years old. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 5th, 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 5th, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY AT ROBINSON PRESERVE – Join us for an astronomical extravaganza in the Robinson Preserve Expansion! 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 and view the skies through high-powered telescopes. Learn how to identify these heavenly bodies, and how you can star gaze at home too. Program in partnership with The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Area
Sunday 6th, 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
Tuesday 8th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 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 9th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – CAREER NIGHT – Are you interested in a career in nature? Join us at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for an informative evening showcasing local professionals and careers in the environmental and heritage resource fields. This is an opportunity to discover what it takes to get into the field of science! Network with these professionals from a variety of local organizations and discover careers that help make a difference in our community. Program recommended for high school and college students; all ages are welcome. For more information contact Elena Burke at 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or e-mail elena.burke@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday 10th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TREETOTS: LIGHT AND DARK – Bring your little members of the family for an enlightening light exploration program. Engage all your tadpoles’ senses through movement, lights, and reflections inspiring nature exploration in the safety of our newest county site, the NEST. TreeTots is an interactive activity for babies and young toddlers to become acquainted to the natural world. Program suitable for newborns to 2 year olds. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5757 ext.4. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday 10th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – NEST NATURE AFTERNOONS – The brand-new 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 email ecoevents@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Friday 11th, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – DUETTE BUTTERFLY COUNT – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for the fifth annual Duette Butterfly Count, and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our largest 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. Duette Preserve
Friday 11th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: BUMP IN THE NIGHT HIKE – As the sun sets, the daytime world is going to sleep, but a whole other world is just opening its eyes. Come and learn about the secretive world of nocturnal creatures. Listen to the calls of some of the local nightlife and see what it takes to survive after dark. Search the skies for our resident bats and owls as we take a wild flashlight hike to the Rye Family Cemetery and finish the night by roasting s’mores around the campfire. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing sarah.denison@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve
Saturday 12th, 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 12th, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – CLEANUP ON THE BRADEN RIVER – Take part in a cleanup to improve the world’s waterways, roads, and shores. We’ll meet at the shore and work together to remove trash throughout the river via vessel. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayak, canoe, or small power boat. If you have an interest in the Braden River and would like to help preserve its health, beauty and history, please join us. Suitable for all ages. Sponsored by Old Braden River Historical Society. No reservations needed. Launch site is from King Ranch Manatee, 4630 60th Street East (Caruso Road)
Saturday 12th, 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. 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 12th, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM - SUNSET, FULL MOON 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 a full moon. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Program suitable for ages 16 and older 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 or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Robinson Preserve
Sunday 13th, 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. Bennett Park
Monday 14th, 9:00 AM – 1:00 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. The kayak launch is on the right-hand side approximately ½ mile from the entrance. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 3-5 miles are welcome to attend. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Program suitable for ages 16 and older 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 email ecoevents@mymanatee.org with the number of people in your party and the type of boats you are bringing (single kayak, tandem, canoe). Robinson Preserve
Tuesday 15th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – ENVIRONMENTAL DISCUSSION GROUP: GOPHER TORTOISES, HABITAT, AND FIRE – Join naturalists and land managers from Manatee County for a discussion about gopher tortoises and how prescribed fire helps maintain their habitat. Come discover what makes a gopher tortoise a key stone species and how their ability to burrow helps build homes for hundreds of other native Florida species. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for adults. No reservations needed. For more information please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Bradenton River Library
Wednesday 16th, 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET FLOW YOGA – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This flow 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 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
Friday 18th, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM – VOLUNTEER FOR THE GOBLIN GATHERING – We need YOUR HELP! We need volunteers to help tear tickets, assist with parking, make sure folks stay safe on inflatables, paint faces, and don costumes to bring the fun! All you need is a positive attitude and willingness to learn! This is a great way to get scholarship volunteer credit for high school or youth organizations, while creating a fun event for the whole family to enjoy. Call 941-742-5923 ex 6035 or email michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org to take part. G.T. Bray Park
Goblin Gathering at GT Bray
Friday 18th, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM – THE 17th ANNUAL GOBLIN GATHERING – Join us for Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources Department’s 17th annual Goblin Gathering! This Halloween-themed event provides a fun family atmosphere for all ages that features hayrides, face painting, bounce houses, inflatable slides, and a costume contest with great prizes. During the event, children will be able to “trick-or-treat” and receive free candy. In addition, exhibitors and local businesses provide entertaining Halloween activities for participants. This year will feature a Trunk-or-Treat Alley sponsored by Manatee County Public Safety Department. Admission, costume contest, and trick-or-treating are free, $5 wristband is sold for children to participate in activities. Food vendors will be on site with food for sale at an additional cost. Parental participation is free. Bring the whole family out and join in the fun! For more information, please call 941-742-5923. $5 Wristband for activities. G.T. Bray Park
Saturday 19th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR: PERICO PRESERVE – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Join Audubon Guide 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 suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. No reservations needed. For more information, please contact Cathy Davis at (561) 253-5025. Perico Preserve
Saturday 19th, 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 19th, 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 19th, 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
Sunday 20th, 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
Tuesday 22nd, 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 22nd, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – EVENING BAT WALK AND SERVICE PROJECT – Join us for an afterhours special at Robinson Preserve. Learn about bat behaviors and biology while helping beautify the preserve and maintain the ecosystems needed for bats. Our service and talk will be followed by a spooky twilight walk to search for bats – a rare chance to walk the trails of the Robinson Preserve Expansion at night. Discover the amazing abilities of these nocturnal echolocators and help beautify their habitat! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Let us know if you would like to attend by emailing elena.burke@mymanatee.org or by calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve - Mosaic NEST
Wednesday 23rd, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – UPPER MANATEE RIVER FROM RYE PRESERVE – Launching from the Rye Preserve kayak launch, join our nature guide from WayneAdventures as we paddle 6 miles to the takeout at Fort Hamer boat ramp. Paddle down this meandering river as it winds for several miles through oak hammocks before joining with Braden River to form the Manatee River. While not for first time kayakers, beginning kayakers who can paddle 6-8 miles are welcome. Rye Preserve kayak launch is down the trail across from the pavilion. Program suitable for ages 16 and older 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 email ecoevents@mymanatee.org with the number of people in your party and the type of boats you are bringing (single kayak, tandem, canoe). Rye Preserve
Wednesday 23rd, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM – EDIBLE PLANTS WALK WITH GREEN DEANE – Join Green Deane of “Eat the Weeds” on a nature walk through Emerson Point Preserve to learn about foraging! Deane has been giving "wild food" presentations for about 20 years and has created an “itemizing” system to help beginners identify plants and learn how to prepare them. A Manatee County naturalist will be on-hand to explain the history and habitats of the preserve. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources in partnership with Transition Sarasota’s Eat Local Week. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foraging-with-green-deane-manatee-county-parks-and-natural-resources-tickets-69771810363 $25 per person. Available by pre-registration only. Emerson Point Preserve
Thursday 24th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM – HOMESCHOOL BIOLOGY LAB: FORENSIC SCIENCE– 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 perform detailed forensic experiments including fingerprint analysis, chromatography, blood type analysis (using simulated blood samples), and fiber analysis to solve a mystery! 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 or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 per student – payable by cash only. Emerson Point Preserve
Friday 25th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – MOODY BRANCH BUTTERFLY COUNT – Moths, caterpillars, and butterflies oh my! Join us for first Count at Moody Branch Preserve, and volunteer to keep track of butterfly biodiversity at our largest 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. Moody Branch Preserve
Friday 25th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TALL TAIL TRIBE: SLITHER, SCAMPER, AND SCURRY – Bats, spiders, owls and snakes, oh my! Preschoolers join us for a creepy creature feature! Discover the spooky critters that live in your Florida Backyard and why those creatures are not so scary. Using hands on exploration, movement, songs and games your preschooler will have a hoot! 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 941-742-5757 ext.4. Emerson Point Preserve
Friday 25th, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – LEFFIS LUMINATED LANTERN WALK – Nighttime magic awaits, on an illuminated lantern walk along the trails of Leffis Key. Take a sneak peek into the nocturnal world and discover all the wonders hidden in the Florida dark. Using all our senses, we will glimpse a rarely explored preserve at night. Program suitable for all ages. 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. Leffis Key Preserve
Saturday 26th, 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 26th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – OYSTER BAGGIN’ VOLUNTEER EVENT – Join us to create oyster bags at Perico Preserve! The bags we make will later be deployed into local estuaries to help with the creation of new oyster reefs. These reefs will improve water quality and create habitat for native creatures in our preserves. Program is suitable for participants 14 and up who can lift 25 pounds. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6035 to register. Perico Preserve
Saturday 26th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – HALLOWEEN ADULT ARCHERY – Join us for this special Halloween themed archery program! Come out dressed as your favorite archer, hero or villain. (Please be sure costumes do not have loose items that can interfere with the equipment.) This program will provide participants with basic archery instruction, familiarization with archery equipment, and instruction in shooting techniques, along with some Halloween themed activities. All necessary equipment will be provided thanks to a grant from the Easton Sports Development Foundation. Program is suitable participants 16 years and older. Reservations are required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 26th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – HALLOWEEN YOUTH ARCHERY – Set your sights on the exciting outdoor activity of archery! This month archery will be Halloween themed, and costumes will be encouraged! (Please be sure costumes do not have loose items that can interfere with the equipment.) 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 ages 6 to 16 years old. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org Rye Preserve
Saturday 26th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – PUMPKIN CARVING EXTRAVAGANZA – Join us for a festive evening of carving and decorating pumpkins! Light your porch with a grinning jack-o-lantern or carve a spooky scene! We provide the pumpkin and carving tools, you provide the creativity. Not sure what to carve? Choose one of our pumpkin carving templates or use your imagination and create your own designs. Program suitable for all ages. $10 materials fee covers one pumpkin and all necessary items including carving tools and decorating materials; no need to bring anything but yourself. Plus, we’ll do all the cleanup! Additional pumpkins are available for $10 each. Spaces are limited. Registration is required. Please email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org $10 Materials Fee per family/pumpkin payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Tuesday 29th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – SARASOTA AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR: ROBINSON PRESERVE – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Join Audubon Guide Stu as you explore one this coastal gem. Robinson Preserve features several saltmarshes and rare salt tern habitat that provides the ideal home for several species of shorebirds. Check out the “locals” as well as the migratory birds that are wintering here. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. No reservations needed. For more information, please contact Stu Wilson at (512) 897-8341. Robinson Preserve
Tuesday 29th, 10:00 AM -11:00 AM – STORY WALK STROLL: BENNETT – 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 941-742-5757 ext.4. Tom Bennett Park
Tuesday 29th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – ROBINSON SUNSET, STARLIGHT PADDLE – What a great way to spend an October evening, on a sunset and starlight paddle with our kayak guide from WayneAdventures. An educational and fun trip including water quality testing, we will paddle out to the sandbars of the Manatee River to explore what lives in our waters. After watching the sunset, we will be escorted back by the stars. Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Program suitable for ages 16 and older 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 email ecoevents@mymanatee.org with the number of people in your party and the type of boats you are bringing (single kayak, tandem, canoe). Robinson Preserve
Wednesday 30th, 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET FLOW YOGA – Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Spirit! This flow 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 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
Thursday 31st, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – GREEN EXPLORERS: CREEPY CRAWLIES – Dig into the world of creepy crawly creatures. 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 941-742-5757 ext.4. Tom Bennett Park
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. 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