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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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June 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Download a printable version of the June Calendar of Events    

Saturday, Jun 29th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. 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. Open house suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

July 2024 Calendar of Events 

Download a printable version of the July Calendar of Events 

Friday, Jul 5th, 6th, & 7th, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Jay Watch – For the past fifteen years, Manatee County’s Parks and Natural Resources Department has partnered with the Audubon Society’s Jay Watch to host a public scrub jay survey at Duette Preserve. The survey, conducted over a 3-day period, offers a snapshot of the scrub jay families living within the preserve. Volunteers who would like to help track, sight, and record scrub jay sightings are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to become a citizen scientist. Program suitable for volunteers 16 years and older. Program sponsored by Audubon Florida in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/duette-jay-watch. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6035. Duette Preserve – Ranger Station (Rawls Rd. Entrance)

Friday, Jul 5th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Summer Game Nights at the NEST – Are you ready to learn a new game, or are you interested in sharing a much-beloved board game with others? Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Meet new people and try something new. Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons are welcome too. We only ask that all content and conversations remain family-friendly. Snacks provided. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. To register please visit http://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/nest-game-night/. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Jul 6th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. 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. Open house suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Monday, Jul 8th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST – Join 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

Thursday, Jul 11th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Seashell Shore Walk – 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 all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/seashell-shore-walk-july-2024. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge

Friday, Jul 12th, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Artist Day at Robinson Preserve – Bring your sketchbook, camera, painting supplies, or journal and experience this landscape for yourself, as you peruse the property to find the best spot for taking in the scenery. Explore the preserves coastal grasslands, salterns, marshes, and mangrove habitats. These systems support a variety of rare wildlife, presenting careful observers with an opportunity to see roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles, and least terns in their natural environment. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in partnership with Manatee County. This is a free self-guided event, and all guests will be provided a trail map upon entry. Artists must bring their own supplies. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.conservationfoundation.com/events/detail/2024/07/12/artist-day-at-robinson-preserve/. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance

Friday, Jul 12th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Library Learning: Explore the Shore – Shells, sharks, and seaweed- Oh my! Explore the wonders that cover the shore and learn about the wildlife that calls Manatee County waters home. Using hands-on exploration and games, peek into the adventurous world beneath the waves. No registration required. Program suitable for children and their families. Reservations not required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Palmetto Branch Library

Friday, Jul 12th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Escape the NEST – Trapped inside a bird research facility with a hurricane on the way, participants must solve interactive puzzles and collect clues to escape the NEST. Dr. Corvus, a world-renowned bird behavior scientist, has boarded up the building in preparation for the impending storm, accidentally barricading her fellow researchers inside. Can you find the key to the emergency exit? Program suitable for all ages. Sessions are limited to 6 participants. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children throughout the experience. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. $10 Registration fee. Online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday, Jul 12th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Summer Game Nights at the NEST – Are you ready to learn a new game, or are you interested in sharing a much-beloved board game with others? Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Meet new people and try something new. Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons are welcome too. We only ask that all content and conversations remain family-friendly. Snacks provided. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required but are suggested. To register please visit http://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/nest-game-night/. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Jul 13th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Mushroom Walk – Join us for a naturalist-guided walk at Johnson Preserve as we explore the fascinating world of fungi! Participants will learn about mushrooms' vital role in a healthy ecosystem and the basic principles of identification. We will explore the preserve at a leisurely pace, stopping to observe and identify mushrooms by using guidebooks and adding photos to the iNaturalist app. Please note that this is not a foraging program, and collecting, eating, or tasting mushrooms is not allowed during the program. Participants under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. Program sponsored by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in partnership with Manatee County. Please note there are no restrooms or water fountains on site. We recommend using the restroom before you arrive. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mushroom-walk-tickets-919546778167. Johnson Preserve

Saturday, Jul 13th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. 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. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday, Jul 17th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Library Learning: Explore our Waterways – Take a dip into our waterways! Learn about the flow of water and wildlife that call all freshwater habitats home. Using hands-on exploration and games, peek into the adventurous world beneath the water line. Program suitable for children and their families. Reservations not required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Lakewood Ranch Library

Saturday, Jul 20th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. 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. Open house suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Jul 27th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. 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. Open house suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

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