Join us weekly to breathe in the fresh air, challenge yourself, and create a community. Savor the trip along the 1.6 and 3.2-mile routes through Robinson Preserve and notice as life becomes a little more vibrant. The group leader will offer a warm-up, then participants may run, walk, or stroll at their own pace followed by a cool-down stretch offered at the finish. Participants will be rewarded for their efforts by our partners Fit 2 Run and Bayshore Nutrition. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Fit 2 Run and Bayshore Nutrition in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2022/57766/robinson-runners. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

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

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

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://septemberarchery.eventbrite.com. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Rye Preserve

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 and 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 Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://robinsonastronomy.eventbrite.com. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Join us at Island Library for an exploration of all things gopher tortoise! Through hands-on activities and a storytime, we will learn about this keystone species whose burrow provides shelter for over 350 other species. Program suitable for preschool-aged children No reservations required. For more information please visit https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/9364104 or contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Island Library

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 be installed at a later time 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. Program suitable for adults. All materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Valentine House.

Round up your baby buggies, and your little ones for a rolling naturalist-led walk through the county’s wild spaces. Open your child’s eyes to the sights, smells, and feel of Florida’s great outdoors while they are safely wheeled around. Trek the story walk trail and have your child learn movements.  Meet other nature explorer families with similar-aged kids. Program suitable for young children. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Conservatory Park – Pavilion

Calling all early birds! Join Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program for a peaceful sunrise paddle along the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve to the mouth of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. We will watch the sunrise in the east while the full moon sets in the west. Don't forget your camera (and a dry bag or box to keep it safe) for this fantastic photo opportunity! Program suitable for ages 18 and older who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Program sponsored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket and bring a flashlight or headlamp and whistle. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/404278597167. For more information please contact sarah.denison@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – 17th Ave NW Entrance

Join us for a special saltwater fishing clinic! Tie an improved clinch knot, practice your fish identification skills, and learn the basics of catch and release fishing in Florida. Get a chance to use our fishing equipment and cast your line into the waters of Emerson Point Preserve to see what we can catch! Spots are limited, so please sign up early if you are interested. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/400104722997. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion

Join us for this monthly class on the lawn of 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 - in case of weather, we will move into the NEST. Program Suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County Parks and 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 Lawn

Bumpy, rough, slippery, and smooth; nature is full of textures. Your little one will experiment with touch and learn that wildlife can feel too! Through songs, exploration, and activities your tiny family members will discover the amazing natural wonders, big and small, found in your very own backyard. Program suitable for children 2 years old and under. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – NEST

Curious about what's going on at Robinson Preserve? Join us for this webinar and learn about habitat improvements, fish tagging, and water quality research presented by scientists actively working in the waters of the preserve. This program will feature several presenters, followed by a discussion and Q&A regarding the habitats and wildlife of Robinson Preserve. Program suitable for teens and adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-science-of-robinson-preserve-tickets-401366667507. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org. Online – Zoom

Join us for a relaxing walk through the mangroves at Leffis Key! Florida is home to three species of mangrove trees that are specially adapted to live in a salty environment. They provide crucial nursery and feeding habitat for many local fish, crabs, and mollusks and help to protect our coastlines. Learn how to identify mangroves and discover the important role they play in our ecosystem. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildlife-spotlight-mangroves-september-2022-registration-391181242627. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Leffis Key

Want to find out more about these interesting and often misunderstood reptiles? You'll learn which ones you're most likely to see in your SW Florida yard and how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/368604946317. For more information please contact katiebg@ufl.edu. $5 Registration Fee Payable Online. UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office – Rogers Auditorium

Join us for a morning of marine science and volunteer service to experience our local watershed. Science by the Sea programs are intended to provide accessible science experiences for kids from historically excluded groups in STEM including gender minorities, racial/ethnic minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people from low-income or underserved communities. Program suitable for volunteers of all ages. Program sponsored by Minorities in Shark Sciences and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefx_DThpOLrsyX1sN-ZnDvUem4ZDzLba2ObEnsLB-ED84oww/viewform. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom

Whether it is scat, tracks, or even a nest, traces of wildlife can be found everywhere! Spiders build webs and bees build honeycombs. Come explore, play games, and make crafts with the whole family! ¡Hay evidencia de la vida silvestre en todos lados, ya sea huellas o hasta nidos! Las arañas construyen telarañas y las abejas construyen panales. ¡Ven a explorar, aprender, jugar y hacer manualidades con toda la familia! Program suitable for children and their families. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/400128193197. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Pride Park – South Pavilion by Volleyball Court

Volunteers are needed to help beautify the Food Forest at East Bradenton Park by pruning trees and trimming the tall grass around them with weed trimmers. Join us in giving back to this beautiful community space! Suitable for ages 16 and up. Tools, gloves, and water will be provided. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a youth waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Reservations are required. To register please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org. East Bradenton Park

A flash of the little blue heron, the sunny yellow of a dune sunflower, and the vibrant red of a salvia blossom - nature's canvas is vibrant. What other colors will we discover hidden in Emerson Point Preserve? Join us for a nature walk, searching for a rainbow of nature's colors. Program suitable for preschool-aged children. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion

Are there aliens in your backyard? Join us to learn about common invasive species that threaten Florida's habitats. Play games, make a craft, and explore the outdoors as we weed out invasive species. Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/400166357347. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion

Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a special celebration of National Public Lands Day. Estuary-themed educational activity stations will be set up inside and around the NEST for this special celebration of Manatee County's wild spaces! 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

Join us and celebrate National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands! Volunteers will help plant coastal wetland species at Robinson Preserve to enhance habitat and promote shoreline stabilization in the riparian zone of a created brackish water pond. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Tampa Bay Watch in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Volunteers should arrive dressed to get wet and muddy with closed-toe shoes that strap or tie. Please bring a water bottle, sun protection, gloves, and bug spray. Coolers of water, snacks, and all planting materials will be provided. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://41207a.blackbaudhosting.com/41207a/Native-Planting-at-Robinson-Preserve-24Sep2022. For more information please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Come learn about Florida's first commercial fishermen. Manatee county's coastline was the perfect fish-rich environment Cuban fishermen needed to settle and create villages, or ranchos. These ranchos were a hub of local commerce, trade, and culture where Cuban fishermen and natives intermingled freely leaving a rich inheritance of mixed culture and race. Program suitable for adults. No reservations required. For more information please contact sara.alvarezcollazo@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6044. Palmetto Library

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/seashell-shore-walk-september-2022-registration-391186979787. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – South - Longboat Key Bridge

What is a fractal and how is it found in nature? Come explore the world of infinite patterns! Using hands-on discovery and the participants' creativity, attendees will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a low structure, highly social, and experienced-based activity. Program recommended for ages 5-12 years old. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Tom Bennet Park – Pavilion

Stop by our education table at beautiful Portosueno Park and learn all about manatees! These gentle giants are our county's namesake and are frequent visitors of the park. Enjoy interactive activities to learn about the amazing anatomy of manatees, and discover how you can help protect them in the wild. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036. Portosueno Park

Join us for a paddle clean-up of the shoreline at Emerson Point Preserve. We will launch near the Point pavilion #3, collect debris from our kayaks, and enjoy views of this beautiful Preserve at the mouth of the Manatee River! Program suitable for age 16 and older who can meet the County's minimum eligibility requirements. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket and bring a whistle. Trash bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided. Volunteers should wear clothing and closed-toe shoes that can get wet and mu Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/401323969797. For more information please contact matthew.tschirgi@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve – The Point

Does your preschooler enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park for our newest program: Nature Tales. Each month we will meet at Conservatory Park for an interactive storytime and educational activities in the great outdoors. September's theme is Terrific Trees! Program suitable for preschool-age children and below. Reservations are required. To register please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org. Conservatory Park

Explore a tree’s history through its rings. A tree's rings can tell its age and even climate history. Model tree anatomy and practice your observation and deduction skills as we investigate the life of Florida’s trees! Program suitable for students ages 10 - 15. The age limit is strictly enforced. Homeschool Bio Lab is an advanced 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 Registration Fee Payable Online. Emerson Point Preserve – Nature Classroom