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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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November 2024 Calendar of Events 

Download a printable version of the November Calendar of Events 

Tuesday, Nov 26th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Nature Art: Palm Weaving – Take a stroll through the NEST grounds and enjoy nature as we learn about the palms in the area and use the fronds to weave a basket inspired by skills used by the indigenous peoples that lived in the preserve. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/palmweaving. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday, Nov 27th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST 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, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

December 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Download a printable version of the December Calendar of Events

Wednesday, Dec 4th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Emerson Point – Search 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

Tuesday, Dec 10th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool BioLab: Science or Snow Globe – Experience the magic of the holiday season by combining science and art to create your own Christmas Snow Globe. This engaging experiment lets you dive into the concepts of density, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics, all while designing a charming winter wonderland inside a globe. Program is suitable for children ages 10 - 15 Homeschool Bio Lab is an advanced course where we explore higher scientific concepts and the scientific method through dissections, chemistry, and biology experiments. No refunds available. Reservations are required To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110007. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Emerson Classroom

Thursday, Dec 12th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Nature Crafting – Holidays are approaching, and it’s time to get crafty, precisely, wildcrafting. Wildcrafting is mindfully harvesting natural items and using imagination to make unique pieces. Green Explorer 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. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/green-explorers-nature-crafting. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Large Pavilion #1

Friday, Dec 13th, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Holiday Cookie Decorating – Get into the holiday spirit and join us at The NEST for Christmas Cookie decorating! With an array of ready-to-decorate cookies and a selection of icing, sprinkles, and edible embellishments, you'll have everything you need to create edible works of art. Each participant will take home eight cookies to share with Santa or enjoy as a special sweet treat. Program suitable for all ages. Please add each child to your household prior to purchasing tickets. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate allergy and dietary restrictions for this program. 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]. $10 Materials fee payable online.. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Dec 14th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 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 children ages 6 to 16. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/december-youth-archery-2024. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Saturday, Dec 14th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Neal Preserve Paddle Cleanup – Come join us for a paddle cleanup along the shorelines of Neal Preserve! Register to use one of our kayaks or bring your own. This is an intermediate paddle and not suitable for beginning paddlers. Program suitable for ages 16 and older. Children under 16 years old may attend with a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak. Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are avaible to borrow on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you would like to borrow a kayak, please choose the "Borrow a kayak" ticket type. Othewise participants must bring their own kayak and safety gear, which must include a life jacket and whistle. All participants must wear a life jacket on the water. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes (no flip flops), bring a water bottle and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Your feet and legs may get wet and muddy. There are no restrooms at our launch site. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/neal-preserve-paddle-cleanup. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve – 12378 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL 34209

Saturday, Dec 14th, 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. Join us for a special ornament making craft! No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Dec 14th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM & 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Dip-net with a Librarian: Session 1 – Join us for dip-netting at Emerson Point Preserve! First, a Manatee County librarian will lead a discussion on the book Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber. Then a Natural Resources staff member will guide participants into the water to look for and identify the creatures that live beneath the waves. Waivers must be signed at the beginning of this event when you arrive, as we will be wading and walking in water. Program suitable for adults. Program participants must wear close-toed shoes that can get wet. Reservations are required.
Session 1: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/13443872
Session 2: https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/13444063
For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1

Saturday, Dec 14th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Starry Night Astronomy – Join 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

Wednesday, Dec 18th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Explore Nature: Scrub Restoration – Stop by and learn about the amazing restoration efforts that are taking place to bring back coastal scrub species and improve gopher tortoise habitat. We will have a table at the trail head happy to talk about the great thing that are happening for the habitat. Grab a scavenger hunt and see what you can find while exploring the park! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Riverview Pointe Preserve – Trail Head

Thursday, Dec 19th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: Woodpeckers – Do you hear knocking on a telephone pole outside your home, or a high-pitched sound of laughter? That’s a woodpecker! These incredible birds have unique abilities and play an important role in our ecosystem. Join us for a relaxing walk around Conservatory Park to look for woodpeckers in their natural habitat and learn to identify them by sight and sound! Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wildlife-spotlight-woodpeckers-2024. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Pavilion

Thursday, Dec 19th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Mighty Migrators (Rye Preserve) – Many birds make the great journey from Canada, all the way to the shores of Florida. From small birds, like palm warblers to big birds, like white pelicans, they both share a common goal and obstacles to get to warmer temperatures. Come explore the adaptions and obstacles faced by migratory birds. Build a flock with your friends, learn about native animal's torpor cycles and more as we play games and experiment! 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/mighty-migrators-rye. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Friday, Dec 20th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Mighty Migrators (Emerson Point Preserve) – Many birds make the great journey from Canada, all the way to the shores of Florida. From small birds, like palm warblers to big birds, like white pelicans, they both share a common goal and obstacles to get to warmer temperatures. Come explore the adaptions and obstacles faced by migratory birds. Build a flock with your friends, learn about native animal's torpor cycles and more as we play games and experiment! 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/mighty-migrators-emerson. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1

Friday, Dec 20th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Movie Under the Stars: Christmas in Yellowstone – Join Us for Movie Night! And watch what happens as snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort settles in nature. Grab your blankets or chairs and snacks for a cozy evening of films under the stars. Bring your friends and family for a night of great entertainment and fun! Don’t miss it! We will provide free popcorn. Program suitable for all ages. Reservation suggested not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/movies-under-the-stars-christmas-in-yellowstone. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Dec 21st, 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. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Dec 21st, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Fishing Club – Looking to try fishing? Have a burning question about a lure or rig? Bring your fishing gear or borrow ours and come get your answers at Fishing Club! Instructors can answer your questions, teach you the basics or just recommend the best places to fish in the preserve. Fishing poles are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis, for the duration of the program. Bait will be provided for the duration of the program. ¿Le gustaría experimentar con la pesca? ¿Tiene una pregunta sobre un señuelo de pesca? ¡Traiga su equipo de pesca o hasta tome el de nosotros prestado y disfrute de un día de pesca! Los maestros les pueden responder a sus preguntas, enseñarle lo básico sobre la pesca o hasta recomendar áreas para pescar en la reserva natural. La carnada será proveída durante el evento y habrán cañas de pescar, mientras disponibles, para tomar prestadas por la duración del evento. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/decemberfishingclub. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Manatee Ave Entrance to Robinson

Sunday, Dec 22nd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Perico Preserve – Explore one of Manatee County's coastal preserves with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what you see today. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee County UF IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/perico-preserve-tour-tickets-978487080197. For more information please contact [email protected]. Perico Preserve – Pavilion

Friday, Dec 27th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Shelltastic Turtles – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park in our newest program Nature Tales. Each month we will meet at Conservatory Park for an interactive story time and activities in the great outdoors. This month we will explore the shelltastic turtles found in your Florida Backyard. Program suitable for ages 9 and under. Reservations are required To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-tales-shell-tastic-turtles. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Playground Pavilion

Friday, Dec 27th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Explore Nature: Tower Talk – Visit 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 are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Tower

Saturday, Dec 28th, 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. No reservations are required. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Monday, Dec 30th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Wonder Walk: Robinson – It’s the most wonderful time of the year to explore Robinson Preserve. Peer over the bridges and search the skies for fliers as we walk the rubberized trail. Exploring the preserves, we never know what memorable natural experience you will have. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wonder-walk-robinson. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Tuesday, Dec 31st, 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 the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell-collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge

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