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EcoEvents: Outdoor Education Programs & Events Calendar

All of our public events are open to individuals and their family members. For large groups, we ask that each family register individually. If you have a school, camp, club, or other group that would like to participate in a program, please contact [email protected] to set up a private program.

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March 2024 Calendar of Events 

Download a printable version of the March Calendar of Events

Wednesday, Mar 27th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMPine Island Paddle Cleanup – Join us for a paddle to the secluded Pine Island, where we will clean up the island of marine debris that floats in on the tide. Program suitable for ages 16 and older who can meet Manatee County's minimum eligibility requirements. This is an intermediate paddle suitable for strong paddlers. Single kayaks are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, unless you prefer to bring your own. All participants must wear a life jacket and whistle. Reservations are required. To register please visit http://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/pine-island-paddle-cleanup/. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. State Road 64 Boat Ramp

Thursday, Mar 28th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMMeet Your Preserves: Rye Preserve – Are you new to Manatee County? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Come get acquainted with all the beautiful natural spaces Manatee County has to offer! Learn from a Natural Resources guide about the amenities, wildlife, and history of our preserves. This is the perfect opportunity to explore local areas and meet other new residents. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit http://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/meet-your-preserves-rye/. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Saturday, Mar 30th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMPlants & People: Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk – Did you know that the plants growing right outside your door can become a meal or medicine? Our beautiful and wild home state of Florida provides an incredible array of plants that can help support our health and nourish us, something that the residents of the state have known since the most ancient of times. Join Melissa “Misha” Nell, Registered Herbalist (American Herbalists Guild), botanist, and Certified Interpretive Guide, and discover the lore of our winter season plants. Misha will take you on a moderate hike through Moody Branch, one of her favorite wild sites that whispers the stories of old pioneer Florida, where you will discover how to identify and become familiar with a variety of edible and medicinal plants. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/plants-people-moody/. Moody Branch Preserve

April 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Download a printable version of the April Calendar of Events  

Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AMManatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Emerson PointSearch the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Our Audubon guide will lead participants on a tour through Emerson Point’s coastal hammock and mangrove habitats. Check out the “locals” as well as the migratory birds that are wintering here. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Manatee County Audubon Society in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please contact [email protected] or call (941) 592-7622. Emerson Point Preserve – Ranger's Station

Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AMLibrary Learning: Powerful PollinatorsBees, butterflies, bats, and more - Buzz into the library to discover the important creatures that call Florida home. Through games, movement, and crafts your young family members will become a flutter about these special wildlife. Program suitable for Preschool age children. Reservations not required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Braden River Library

Thursday, Apr 4th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMExplore Nature: Manatee Pop-UpStop by our education table at beautiful Portosueno Park and learn all about manatees! These gentle giants are our county's namesake and are frequent visitors of the park. Enjoy interactive activities to learn about the amazing anatomy of manatees, and discover how you can help protect them in the wild. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Portosueno Park

Friday, Apr 5th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMNature Tales: Round RoundupDoes your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park in Nature Tales. Meet monthly at Conservatory Park for an interactive story and activities. This month, we will discover why the sphere shape is hidden in plain sight. Program suitable for 8-year-olds and down. Reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Playground Pavilion

Friday, Apr 5th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMExplore Nature: Tower TalkVisit the top of the tower at Robinson Preserve to take in the beautiful views of Tampa Bay! Stop by to chat with a naturalist and learn about the plants, animals, and history of the preserve. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Tower

Saturday, Apr 6th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM OR 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMYouth ArcherySet 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 children ages 6 to 16. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with Manatee County. Two identical sessions are offered.  Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/april-youth-archery. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Saturday, Apr 6th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMSaturday Mornings at the NESTJoin 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

Monday, Apr 8th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMSolar Eclipse Watch PartyJoin us on the lawn of the NEST for a rare event: a partial solar eclipse!  This is guaranteed to be a unique viewing experience. The first 50 attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses to view the eclipse safely. Program suitable for all ages. The partial eclipse starts at 1:42 PM to a maximum at 2:59 PM before ending at 4:15 PM. Reservations are recommended. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/solar-eclipse-watch-party. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Monday, Apr 8th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PMSunset Tai Chi at the NESTJoin us for this monthly class at the NEST! At sunset on the second Monday of the month, Dr. Brian Nell, 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. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-tai-chi. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday, Apr 10th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMBuilding a BurrowCome help us construct a gopher tortoise burrow for Genbu in his new enclosure. Genbu is a rehabilitated gopher tortoise who is an ambassador for our education team that teaches the importance of gopher tortoises in Florida. We will be using shovels, cinder blocks, and treated lumber. Program suitable for adult volunteers. Tools, gloves, and water will be provided. Please bring a water bottle, wear closed-toed shoes, and dress for construction outdoors. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/building-a-burrow-for-gopher-tortoise-day. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – Education & Volunteer Office

Thursday, Apr 11th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMHomeschool Creature Feature: Gopher TortoiseZoom into the natural world and focus on one wonderous animal species. Discover the identifiable movements and features of the wildlife and their favorite habitats to haunt. Then venture into one of Manatee Counties' preserves with your homeschooler to track the featured creature in the wild. This month, crawl into Robinson Preserve Expansion to discover our shelly reptilian friend. Program suitable 5-year-old and up. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-creature-feature-search-for-gopher-tortoise. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Expansion

Thursdays, Apr 11th, Apr 18th, Apr 25th, May 2nd, May 9th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Saturday, May 11th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Bay ROVers: Underwater Robotics CourseForm a team with other young engineers and compete in our underwater robotics challenge! Learn the basics of electronics and engineering by building an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). This 5-week course will cover topics of buoyancy, tool building, and robotics design as each team learns to build their own robot designed to survey a simulated shipwreck. Program suitable for students ages 12 and up. This 5-week program meets weekly on Thursday evenings April 11 - May 9, with a final engineering challenge on the morning of Saturday, May 11. Participants must be able to attend all 5 classroom sessions and the challenge session. The Bay ROVers program is funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program's Bay Mini-Grant. Pre-registration is required. To register please visit https://forms.gle/gQyz4j8KAkBjf7eX9. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday, Apr 12th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMTall Tail Tribe: Pondering PondsDown below the rippled fresh water are ponds teeming with life. Bring your toddler to discover the wild world hiding in the murky water, the animals and plants that call it home. Through hands-on discovery, songs, and games, we will explore the rich life of Florida ponds. Program suitable for Preschool age children. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/tall-tail-tribe-pondering-ponds. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Saturday, Apr 13th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AMRobinson Preserve Tram TourImmerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead

Saturday, Apr 13th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMSaturday Mornings at the NESTJoin 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. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Apr 13th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMPlants & People: Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk at Conservatory ParkDid you know that the plants growing right outside your door can become a meal or medicine"? Our beautiful and wild home state of Florida provides an incredible array of plants that can help support our health and nourish us, something that the residents of the state have known since the most ancient of times. Join Melissa “Misha” Nell, Registered Herbalist (American Herbalists Guild), botanist, and Certified Interpretive Guide, and discover the lore of our local plants. Misha will take you on a casual trek through Conservatory Park, an oasis of nature in a very urban setting and teach you how to identify and become familiar with a variety of edible and medicinal plants. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/plants-and-people-edible-and-medicinal-plant-walk-at-conservatory-park. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park

Saturday, Apr 13th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AMRobinson Preserve Tram TourImmerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead

Saturday, Apr 13th, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PMStarry Night AstronomyJoin 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://events.humanitix.com/robinson-astronomy. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Tuesday, Apr 16th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMRobinson Preserve Tram TourImmerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead

Wednesday, Apr 17th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMTrail Trimming and CleanupCome lend a hand and help us clean up the trails at the secluded Moody Branch Preserve! We will be clearing the trails of fallen and overgrown branches and debris. Program suitable for volunteers 10 years and older. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials will be provided, including materials, tools, and gloves. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the outdoors. Car-pooling may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, leaving Robinson Preserve at 7:30 AM. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/trail-cleanup-at-moody-branch-preserve. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6035. Moody Branch Preserve

Thursday, Apr 18th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AMSeashell Shore WalkCalling 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 all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/seashell-shore-walk. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge

Thursday, Apr 18th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMTreeTots: Respecting the ReptileLizards, alligators, and turtles are all members of this scaley family. Come discover the amazing and wild reptiles that call Florida Home and come nose to nose with one of our reptilian friends. TreeTots is an interactive program that uses song, action, and play to encourage the youngest family members to explore nature. Program suitable for children ages 2-year-old and younger. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/treetots-respecting-reptiles. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Thursday, Apr 18th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMHomeschool Science Club: Tall Tall TreesTrees provide many services for people such as providing oxygen and even paper! But did you know, trees can also tell time? Take a closer look at the rings of a tree and how they help tell time and past climate changes. Explore the preserve looking for unique tree species. 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://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-science-club-rye. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Friday, Apr 19th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMHomeschool Science Club: Tall Tall TreesTrees provide many services for people such as providing oxygen and even paper! But did you know, trees can also tell time? Take a closer look at the rings of a tree and how they help tell time and past climate changes. Explore the preserve looking for unique tree species. 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://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-science-club-emerson. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Nature Classroom

Saturday, Apr 20th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMSaturday Mornings at the NESTJoin 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. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Apr 20th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMOscar Scherer 35th Annual Earth Day FestivalThe Friends of Oscar Scherer present the 35th Annual Earth Day Festival. This years theme "Planet vs. Plastics". A free event with live music, guided hikes, tram tours (fee associated), kids coloring contest, plenty of kids activities, yoga classes, fun environmental booths and exhibitors. The photo contest will be on display, be sure to vote for your favorite photo for "People's Choice". Event suitable for all ages. Coloring Contest winner will be displayed on next year's Earth Day flyer. Oscar Scherer State Park

Saturday, Apr 20th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMBraden River Library Earth Day CelebrationJoin us and fellow community partners for an Earth Day Celebration at the Braden River Library! Come visit our Sensory Garden and meet local groups that help keep our environment happy: crafts, activities, talk to a master gardener, plant a seed. Event suitable for all ages. Braden River Branch Library

Saturday, Apr 20th, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PMHomeschool STEAM FESTNature + Tech = Fun! Unleash your inner inventor at our FREE Homeschool STEAM Fest! Code robots, craft with slime, explore circuits & more! Ra es, prizes & hands-on learning for all ages! Don't miss out! Event suitable for all ages. All are welcome to this FREE event. Bilingual English | Spanish Registration is encouraged. To register please visit https://forms.gle/hTnmY81NL2jqZ29v8. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Sunday, Apr 21st, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PMHomeschool STEAM FESTNature + Tech = Fun! Unleash your inner inventor at our FREE Homeschool STEAM Fest! Code robots, craft with slime, explore circuits & more! Ra es, prizes & hands-on learning for all ages! Don't miss out! Event suitable for all ages. All are welcome to this FREE event. Bilingual English | Spanish Registration is encouraged. To register please visit https://forms.gle/hTnmY81NL2jqZ29v8. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Monday, Apr 22nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMEarth Day Shoreline CleanupCelebrate Earth Day by helping to reduce our human impact on the oceans and the environment! Prepare to get muddy at this low-tide opportunity to clean the mangrove shoreline of this beautiful Preserve! Program suitable for all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Ice water and all other materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/emerson-earth-day-cleanup. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve – Pavilion #3

Tuesday, Apr 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMRobinson Preserve Tram TourImmerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead

Wednesday, Apr 24th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMWildlife Spotlight: Seahorses and PipefishLet's discover a fascinating family of fish - the Sygnathids! Learn about the amazing adaptations and lifecycle of seahorses and pipefish and the conservation efforts put in place to protect them. We will also be dip netting to look for these unique creatures so we can explore them up close! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wildlife-spotlight-seahorses-and-pipefish. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – The Point

Thursday, Apr 25th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMGreen Explorers: Chasing Gravity“Sir Issac Newton once said, "What goes up must come down.” This renowned scientist was talking about gravity! From the ant to the elephant, gravity is a force of nature that affects every creature on Earth. Using hands-on discovery, and the participant's creativity, attendees will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a structured, highly social, and experience-based activity. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/green-explorers-chasing-gravity. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve

Friday, Apr 26th, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PMNature Play FestivalCome play in nature!  Build forts, search for birds, meet our tortoise, learn to read a map, try guiding a remote operating vehicle underwater (ROV), and so much more. At Robinson Preserve NEST-  enjoy a fun evening for the whole family! Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 and Remake Learning Days in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations not required but suggested. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-play-fest. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – NEST

Saturday, Apr 27th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM OR 10:30 AM – 11:30 AMRobinson Preserve Tram TourImmerse yourself in Robinson Preserve on our new electric tram tour. Join our knowledgeable guides to discover the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of this unique coastal gem. Gain a deeper understanding of this site's transformation from an empty farmland to a thriving nature preserve. Program suitable for all ages. A wheelchair ramp is available upon request, please make a note if you have a wheelchair user in your party when you reserve your tickets. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-preserve-tram-tours. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance Trailhead

Saturday, Apr 27th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMWorld Tai Chi DayJoin the World in practicing Tai Chi for a day of One World, One Breath. Come out and learn different forms of Tai Chi and try each one to enjoy benefits including stress reduction, lowering of blood pressure, and improvements in flexibility and balance. Visitors are invited to join instructors from the Manatee-Sarasota area who will share different forms of Tai Chi. Each instructor will provide a follow-along mini-class for you to try their style of Tai Chi or Qi Gong. These instructors are volunteering their time and talents to share their art with the community. Event is open to all ages and skill levels. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please contact https://events.humanitix.com/world-tai-chi-day. For more information please contact [email protected]. GT Bray – Amphitheater

Saturday, Apr 27th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMSaturday Mornings at the NESTJoin 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. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Tuesday, Apr 30th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMPlants & People: Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk at Neal PreserveDid you know that the plants growing right outside your door can become a meal or medicine"? Our beautiful and wild home state of Florida provides an incredible array of plants that can help support our health and nourish us, something that the residents of the state have known since the most ancient of times. Join Melissa “Misha” Nell, Registered Herbalist (American Herbalists Guild), botanist, and Certified Interpretive Guide, and discover the lore of our local plants. Misha will take you on a casual trek through Conservatory Park, an oasis of nature in a very urban setting and teach you how to identify and become familiar with a variety of edible and medicinal plants. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/plants-and-people-edible-and-medicinal-plant-walk-at-neal-preserve. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve

Kayaking with Manatee County

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