Education Programs & Events

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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

Wednesday, Nov 20th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Wildlife Spotlight: Mangroves – RESCHEDULED to Dec 12
To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wildlife-spotlight-mangroves. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve – Pavilion

Wednesday, Nov 20th, 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

Thursday, Nov 21st, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Indigenous Heritage Tour – Join us for a guided walk-through Neal Preserve as we explore the history of the indigenous people in the area. We'll take a closer look at the reconstructed burial mounds and climb the observation tower for a scenic view of this coastal preserve. Program suitable for ages 12 and up. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/indigenous-heritage-tour. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve – Pavilion

Friday, Nov 22nd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Diggin Dirt – Does 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 dig into our soils and discover what wildlife needs dirt. Program suitable for 8-year-old and younger. Program suitable for ages 9 and under. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/nature-tales-digging-dirt. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Playground Pavilion

Friday, Nov 22nd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Homeschool BioLab: Chromato-Leaf Adventure! – Unleash your inner scientist as you explore the vibrant pigments hidden within leaves! In this hands-on lab, you'll learn the magic of chromatography and uncover the different colors that make up plant life. Get ready to separate, identify, and appreciate the beauty of nature in a whole new way! Join us for a colorful adventure! Program suitable for 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

Friday, Nov 22nd, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Movie Under the Stars: Migration – Join Us for Movie Night! 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 for all ages. Reservation suggested not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/movie-night-p8p25t2q. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Nov 23rd, 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

Saturday, Nov 23rd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – ReptiFest 2024 – Join us at the NEST at Robinson Preserve to explore why reptiles are important for the ecosystem and what to do if you come across them. Learn what to do if you come across a gopher tortoise, meet some reptiles, explore a gopher burrow, and more! Step inside the NEST building to enjoy a variety of reptile-themed activities, including puzzles, puppets, and a reptile themed craft! Don't miss this fun-filled, family-friendly event! Program suitable for all ages. Reservation suggested not required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/reptifest2024. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

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

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