February 2023
EcoEvents Calendar
Manatee County Natural Resources Department
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Saturday, Feb 4th, 11th, 25th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday Mornings at the NEST
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Join 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 ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
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ONGOING/AS NEEDED: RIP Squad Volunteer Workdays |
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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. Email announcements are sent out a few days in advance of each event that detail the purpose, goals, and meeting information for each upcoming event. Program suitable for volunteers age 16 and older. To receive email announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, please email shaun.swartz@mymanatee.org Location and time TBA – chosen based on need
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Wednesday, Feb 1st, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Emerson Point
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Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! An 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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact billielknight@yahoo.com or call (941) 592-7622. Emerson Point Preserve – Ranger's Station
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Wednesday, Feb 1st, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Soar in 4 Family Night
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Soar in 4 occurs the first Wednesday of each month in downtown Bradenton. Families visit demonstration tables facilitated by Manatee County teachers, non-profit organizations, and volunteers to learn how to use various materials to support the ‘spotlight book,’ as well as incorporate take-home items to continue to play, create, learn, and explore at home together. These monthly events provide families with the resources and information to become their child’s best ‘first teacher’ at home. All activities are aligned to classroom learning. Program suitable for children and their families. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://soarin4.org/. The Bishop Museum
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Saturday, Feb 4th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM OR 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Youth Archery (2 Sessions)
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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. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://FebruaryArchery.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Rye Preserve
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Saturday, Feb 4th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Master Gardener Tour: Emerson Point
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Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by UF IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Please meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the Ranger Station) at 9 AM. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle and wear sun and insect protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/468427307687. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. Emerson Point Preserve – Tower Parking Lot
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Wednesday, Feb 8th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM OR Friday, Feb 10th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Story Walk Spruce Up
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Volunteer assistance is needed to spruce up the Story Walk at Bennett Park! On the first day of this event, Feb 8th, volunteers will be disassembling, cleaning, and painting the frames of the Story Walk signposts. On the second day, Feb 10th, volunteers will be reassembling the signpost frames with new Plexiglas and a new story for park visitors to enjoy! Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing for working outdoors that can get dirty or painted. Please bring a water bottle. Reservations are required. For more information please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Tom Bennett Park – South Parking Lot
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Thursday, Feb 9th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Homeschool Creature Feature: Mangrove Crab
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Zoom 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 County’s preserves to track the featured creature in the wild. This month we will embark on an epic search for the not-so-elusive Mangrove Crab. Program suitable for ages 5 and up. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Neal Preserve
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Friday, Feb 10th, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Photography Challenge Gallery Presentation
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Manatee County Natural Resources invites you to join us for the presentation of the featured photos from the 2023 Photography Challenge! Take a walk through the Valentine House and view photos that tell an extraordinary story about each of our beautiful preserves. If it’s true that a picture is worth a thousand words…we will have quite a few stories to tell! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are recommended. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/519817035747/. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House
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Saturday, Feb 11th, 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Tom Bennett Park
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Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Our Audubon guide will lead participants on a tour through Tom Bennett Park's upland and wetland 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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact ford.tony23@yahoo.com. Tom Bennett Park – Playground Parking Lot
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Saturday, Feb 11th, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Duette Wagon Tour: Florida Prairie
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Discover over 20,000 acres of Duette Preserve from a covered wagon. With a Master Naturalist guide and a Park Ranger, discover the story of restoration and wildlife. Witness Pine Flatwoods, River Floodplain, and Scrub ecosystems, and maybe even spot a Florida Scrub-jay! Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee Fish and Game Association in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Please arrive early as the wagon will depart on time. Bring a water bottle and a seat cushion or pad to sit on. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manatee-fish-game.ticketleap.com/duette-wagon-tour---prarie-tour/. For more information please call (941) 447-9268. Duette Preserve – Ranger Station
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Saturday, Feb 11th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Master Gardener Tour: Riverview Pointe
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Casually stroll through to enjoy the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Guide and learn about Florida's native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by UF IFAS Extension Master Gardener Program in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle and wear sun and insect protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/441206910747. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. Riverview Pointe Preserve – Parking at DeSoto National Memorial
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Saturday, Feb 11th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Explore Nature! Outreach Booth
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Need a dose of the great outdoors? Stroll by our Explore Nature! Outreach Booth to learn about exciting recreational opportunities that Manatee County's parks and preserves have to offer. A naturalist guide will be on-site to answer your questions and share a variety of animal biofacts! Program suitable for all ages. Free children's activities and coloring books while supplies last. No reservations required. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@manatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Blackstone Park – Playground Area
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Monday, Feb 13th, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST
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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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=100004. For more information please contact aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org. $10 Registration Fee. Payable Online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
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Tuesday, Feb 14th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Emerson Garden Refresh
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Join us at Emerson Point Preserve to refresh and renew the garden near the visitor's center. Pull plants, create pathways, and clear space for our upcoming fairy garden installation. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org. For more information please call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom
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Thursday, Feb 16th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Seashell Shore Walk
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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. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/514385359457. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge
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Thursday, Feb 16th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM OR 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Emerson Enhancers: Trail Team Thursday
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Volunteers are invited to join us for a trail workday at Emerson Point Preserve! In the morning session, we will be repairing trail steps, hauling shell material, and trimming back vegetation overgrowth on the Temple Mound Complex Trail. In the afternoon session, we will be doing the same work on the Tower Trail. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Long lightweight clothing is recommended. All other materials, including gloves, will be provided. Reservations are required. For more information please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve
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Thursday, Feb 16th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tree Tots: Smelltastic
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Flowers smell sweet, rain smells fresh, and the ocean smells salty. Bring your little one to sense the natural world through their nose! Through songs, exploration, and activities, your tiny family members will learn how to uncover natural wonders in your own backyard. Program suitable for ages 2 and under. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/517829210107. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
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Friday, Feb 17th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Wildlife Spotlight: Spoonbills
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Join us for a stroll around the Robinson Preserve Expansion to search for one of Florida's most colorful wading birds, the roseate spoonbill! Discover the unique behaviors and adaptations of these charismatic, pink birds, while taking in the beautiful sights of the preserve. Learn about the important role birds play in our ecosystem and ways you can help wild spoonbills and their fellow feathered friends. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/514400274067. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
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Friday, Feb 17th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tall Tails Tribe: States of Matter
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Solid, Liquid, and Gas - join us for a morning of discovery into the three states of matter. Using nature as our guide, we will explore the different states of matter with music, games, and several hands-on experiments. At the end of the program, we will even sample a tasty experiment. Program suitable for preschool-age children. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion #1
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Saturday, Feb 18th, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Manatee FITFest
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Manatee FITFest is an outdoor showcase of local businesses and provides an introduction to the area’s popular fitness and healthy lifestyle opportunities. This day is all about community: bringing together bootcamps, a 5K run/walk coordinated by Weatherwood Races and benefitting Operation Warrior Resolution, and a yoga experience. Following the mainstage events, you can choose your own adventure by participating in other scheduled workshops such as acro yoga, paddleboard, and more. From Mr. Bongos DJing on the main stage to lawn activities, grabbing a healthy lunch, or shopping local vendors in the marketplace, there’s plenty to do when you’re not on your mat. All activity levels are welcome on this day of fitness, music, and food. Program suitable for adults. Event entry and all classes are free, but waiver/wristband is required. Registration is REQUIRED to participate in 5K & 1-mile walk/stroll. Beginning at the NEST, participants will walk, run or stroll around waterways, over wooden bridges, and up a scenic rise to look out over Tampa Bay. Registration fee covers chip timing, Dry Fit T-shirt, and medal, and 10% goes to Operation Warrior Resolution, a provider of innovative, holistic treatments for mental health to Veterans and their family members. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2023/63337/fitfest-manatee-2023. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
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Saturday, Feb 18th, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Perico Preserve
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Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Our Audubon guide will lead participants on a tour through Perico Preserve’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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please contact peaceandpaint53@gmail.com. Perico Preserve
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Saturday, Feb 18th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Master Gardener Tour: Rye Preserve
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Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida's native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area with a Master Gardener Guide. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee County UF IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446062233147. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. Rye Preserve
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Saturday, Feb 18th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Emerson Enhancers: Shoreline Cleanup
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Want to help reduce our human impact on the oceans and the environment? Join us for a couple of hours picking up litter at Emerson Point. Prepare to get muddy at this very low-tide opportunity to clean the mangrove shoreline of this beautiful Preserve! Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meet us at the Pavilion #3 parking lot, near the point. Please bring your own water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet and muddy - no flip-flops or bare feet, please! Ice water, litter grabbers, buckets, and trash bags will be provided. Reservations are required. For more information please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve – Point Pavilion #3
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Saturday, Feb 18th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Hike with a Librarian
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Hike with a Manatee County Librarian along the trails and discuss a non-fiction book while enjoying Florida's scenery. After the discussion, a Manatee County Natural Resources guide will talk about the local fauna and flora and the history of the area. If there is still time after the talk, we will walk around the park at a leisurely pace. This month's book is 'The Brilliant Abyss,' by Helen Scales. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/9967758. For more information please contact rin.henshaw@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-5555 ext. 6334. Leffis Key Preserve
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Thursday, Feb 23rd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Green Explorers: Searching for Symmetry
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A butterfly, a starfish, and a palm frond can all have a symmetrical shape. Let's explore Neal Preserve to learn the difference between symmetry and asymmetry in our natural world. Using hands-on discovery and the participant's creativity, homeschoolers 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 6 to 12-year-olds. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Neal Preserve
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Thursday, Feb 23rd, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Homeschool Science Club: Nature Senses
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Bats have super hearing and bears have a powerful sense of smell! In this program we'll explore our five senses and use them to discover new information about nature. We'll find out how animals use their senses to survive in their habitat and practice using our hearing to find friends, our sense of smell to track a mysterious animal, and our sense of touch to explore all the textures we find on a nature hike! 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://www.eventbrite.com/e/518055105767. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
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Thursday, Feb 23rd, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Sunset Shutter Stroll
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Emerson Point Preserve features some of the most glorious sunsets on the Gulf Coast. This installment of our photography tour series offers a perfect opportunity to capture images of Emerson Point during the "golden hour" and try your hand at long-exposure photography. Unwind after work as you meet new friends, share tips and tricks, and get some great shots! Program suitable for adults. Those wishing to experiment with long exposures must bring their own tripods. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/519794739057. Emerson Point Preserve
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Friday, Feb 24th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Explore Nature! Tower Talks
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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 required. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Observation Tower
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Friday, Feb 24th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Nature Tales: Changing Shape
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Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park for our newest program: Nature Tales. Each month we will meet for an interactive story time, activities, and a walk in the great outdoors. This month we will discover how different animals change their body shape as they grow. Program suitable for children 8 years old and younger. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6034. Conservatory Park – Playground Pavilion
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Friday, Feb 24, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Homeschool Science Club: Nature Senses
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Bats have super hearing and bears have a powerful sense of smell! In this program we'll explore our five senses and use them to discover new information about nature. We'll find out how animals use their senses to survive in their habitat and practice using our hearing to find friends, our sense of smell to track a mysterious animal, and our sense of touch to explore all the textures we find on a nature hike! 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://www.eventbrite.com/e/518055938257. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion #1
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Saturday, Feb 25th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Master Gardener Tour: Perico Preserve
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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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446155371727. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. Perico Preserve – Pavilion
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Saturday, Feb 25th, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Starry Night Astronomy
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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 Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
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Sunday, Feb 26th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tom Bennett Park Volunteer Planting Day
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Volunteers are needed to plant thousands of native grasses and ground covers along shoreline areas of a brackish pond. You will get wet and muddy at this rewarding workday! Free snacks and lunch will be provided by the Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay Estuary Programs for all registered volunteers. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Program sponsored by the Sarasota and Tampa Bay Estuary Programs in partnership with Manatee County’s Natural Resources and Sports and Leisure Services Departments. Please follow signs for event parking. Tools, gloves, plants, and water coolers will be provided. Please be prepared to get wet and muddy. Wear long clothing and closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for working outdoors. Please wear sun protection (sunscreen, shade hat, sunglasses) and bring a water bottle. Participants may bring their own gloves if desired. The nearest restrooms are a short drive from the planting site at the Tom Bennett Park pavilion and playground. We recommend that you use the bathroom before arrival if possible. Students may earn three community service hours for volunteering. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/515156415707. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Tom Bennett Park
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We hope to see you out in the parks and preserves!
Sincerely,
Aedan Stockdale
Manatee County Natural Resources Department
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