Manatee County’s natural lands offer visitors many wonderful opportunities to capture spectacular photographs and we would like to showcase these images during our annual Photography Challenge. Anyone interested in sharing these images may submit up to ten (10) digitized entries for consideration in the Manatee County Natural Resources Department’s 9th Annual Photography Challenge! The top photos will be featured in a gallery presentation.

Submissions Due

Wednesday

January 31st, 2024

Saturday, Feb 10th, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – Immerse 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. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/tramtour/. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance near Valentine House

Friday, Feb 2nd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Oyster Shell Drilling for Vertical Oyster Gardens with Tram Ride to Dock – Volunteers wanted! Come help us drill holes into oyster shells that will be used to make Vertical Oyster Gardens, also known as VOGs. These VOGs will be installed under docks and other structures to provide a surface for live oysters to attach themselves. Oysters feed by filtering and cleaning water, a key to a healthy estuary and our marine ecosystems. Sign up for one-hour shifts (9am-10am, 10am-11am, or 11am-12pm). After a drilling session you will have the option for a tram ride out to our dock to see a living VOG! Program suitable for adults. Please wear closed toe shoes. Long lightweight clothing is recommended. Gloves, masks, and safety glasses will be provided and must be worn. Reservations are required. To register please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – NEST Pavilion

Saturday, Feb 3rd, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Fire Fest – Fire Fest is a FREE family-friendly event where you'll discover how prescribed fires are used to protect our communities and maintain Florida’s natural ecosystems for present and future generations. Agencies from around the state come together to talk fire. Enjoy live fire demonstrations, helicopter bucket drops and nature tours. Kids will have a blast on the obstacle course, and will enjoy fun games and face painting in the Kid Zone. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please visit https://SarasotaCountyParks.com or call (941) 861-7275. T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

Wednesday, Feb 7th, 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 billielknight@yahoo.com or call (941) 592-7622. Emerson Point Preserve – Ranger's Station

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 contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve – Pavilion #3

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. No reservations required. For more information please visit www.soarin4.org. The Bishop Museum

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 Counties' preserves with your homeschooler to track the featured creature in the wild. This month, soar into Tom Bennett Park to discover our charismatic predator, the saddleback dragonfly. Program suitable 5-year-old and up. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/homeschool-creature-feature-saddleback-dragonfly/. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Tom Bennett Park

Help us spruce up around the NEST grounds and new Education & Volunteer building. We will be trimming trees along some short trails, sidewalks and parking areas. 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 contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Saturday, Feb 10th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Master Gardener Tour: Riverview Pointe – 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 Manatee County UF IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County. 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, sun and insect protection. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/desotoriverview-pointe-preserve-tour-tickets-715490971757. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. Riverview Pointe Preserve – Parking at DeSoto National Memorial

Saturday, Feb 10th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Holiday Nature Crafting: Card Making – Valentine's Day is almost here! Join us for this fun, creative class to make Valentine's Day cards for your loved ones. Learn easy techniques for folding, stamping, and layering paper to create unique personable cards. We will provide all materials. Program recommended for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=72520667. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. $5 Materials fee payable online. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Manatee County Natural Resources invites you to join us for the presentation of the featured photos from the 2024 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://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/photochallenge/. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House

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://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/taichi/. For more information please contact aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Hop like a bunny, slide like a snail, and fly like an owl, animal movements are everywhere. TreeTots is an interactive program that uses song, action, and play to encourage the youngest family members to explore nature. Program suitable for newborn to 2- year- old. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/treetots-animal-movement/. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Not many mammals hunt as skillfully under the water as a river otter. Discover a river otter's anatomy and special adaptations to survive in nature. Get your feet wet as we explore an otter's freshwater habitat and dip net a pond or stream. 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 Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/hsscriverottersrye/. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

Are you interested in a career in nature? Join us at The NEST at Robinson Preserve for an informative evening showcasing local professionals and careers in the environmental and heritage resource fields. This is an opportunity to discover what it takes to get into the field of science! Network with these professionals from a variety of local organizations and discover careers that help make a difference in our community. Program recommended for college and high school students. Registration recommended. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/natural-resources-career-night/. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday, Feb 16th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: River Otters – Not many mammals hunt as skillfully under the water as a river otter. Discover a river otter's anatomy and special adaptations to survive in nature. Get your feet wet as we explore an otter's freshwater habitat and dip net a pond or stream. 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 Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/hsscriverottersemerson/. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1

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. This program includes a 1-mile round trip walk on flat, packed shell terrain and an optional climb to the top of the iconic Robinson Preserve observation tower. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/meet-your-preserves-robinson-preserve/. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – North Entrance near Valentine House

Explore Robinson Preserve as we discover the composition, texture and colors of plants. Learn how to press a plant collected by yourself, make a leaf print and the basics of botanical illustration. Let nature inspire your next art piece or relax in the sunlight and green scenery of the preserve. Program recommended for ages 12 and over. All materials will be provided for the duration of the illustration program. You must add each participant to your household before you can register. No refunds. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 Materials fee payable online.. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Have you heard the chaotic song of a mockingbird? Or the shrill call of an eagle? Join us for a new program series to listen for birds and learn the basics of bird song identification. This month, we will stroll the trails of Rye Preserve to discover a new appreciation for the sounds of our feathered friends! Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/wild-florida-101-bird-songs-of-rye-preserve/. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

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 discover a premier female Paleontologist- Mary Anning and explore fossils. Program suitable for 8-year-old and younger. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/nature-tales-mary-anning-and-fossils/. For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Conservatory Park

Become a veterinarian for an afternoon of mystery and fun as we learn about animal diets and health. Measure heartrate, suture a wound, and solve a thrilling medical mystery! Program suitable for students ages 10 - 15. Age limit is strictly enforced. Homeschool Bio Lab is an advance course where we explore higher scientific concepts and the scientific method through dissections, chemistry, and biology experiments. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110007. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. $10 Materials fee payable online.. Emerson Point Preserve – Nature Classroom

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. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/youtharchery/. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Rye Preserve – Pavilion

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://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/robinsonastronomy/. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

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) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Tower

Join us for a relaxing stroll through Rye Preserve to look for epiphytes. This unique group of plants grow on the surface of other plants and gain nutrients from the air, rain, and water around them. Learn how to identify some of Florida's most common epiphytes while discovering the important role they play in our ecosystem. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/wildlife-spotlight-epiphytes/. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

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://manateenrd.ticketleap.com/seashell-shore-walk---february-2024/. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach South – Longboat Key Bridge

Prepare to get muddy at this low-tide opportunity to clean the mangrove shoreline on the north side of this beautiful Preserve! We will be taking the tram up to Shade Stop #5 to cleanup up the Tern Trail and the north segment of the Osprey Loop. 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 contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6035. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House parking lot

Herbivores, Carnivores, Producers- Oh My! Explore the movement of energy through an ecosystem. 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 recommended for age 6- 12 year olds. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve – classroom Pavilion