Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221.
Eco-events in nearby Manatee County
Friday, May 11; Tuesday, May 15; 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. — NEST NATURE DAYS – The brand-new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for an afternoon of exploration. 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 panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information, call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th Street N.W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Saturday, May 12, 8 a.m to noon – JAY WATCH CITIZEN SCIENCE TRAINING SESSION – Volunteer to join a citizen science initiative to count the Florida scrub-jay. During this hands-on training session and outdoor adventure, you will learn how to identify the birds, survey methods, and all about these charismatic inhabitants of the scrub habitat. Then join us for the surveys this summer. Suitable for participants age 13 and older. Sponsored by Audubon Florida and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department. Register by contacting Jacqui Sulek at jsulek@audubon.org. Duette Preserve, 2649 Rawls Road, Duette, FL 34219
Saturday, May 12, 9 to 10 a.m. – NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOUR – Roll through Robinson Preserve on four wheels in the comfort of their covered wagon with a guide. These special tours provide access to portions of the preserve that normally take 30 to 45 minutes to reach by foot. Your naturalist tour guide will interpret the land’s history, habitat, wildlife, and plants. Program suitable for all ages. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. They recommend arriving 15 minutes in advance. Meet at the wooden ramp near the screened-in pavilion. No reservations required. Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th Street N.W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Saturday, May 12, 9 to 11 a.m. – RIVERVIEW POINTE MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Stroll through Riverview Pointe Preserve to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. The hike begins in the parking area of Desoto National Memorial Park and continues through Riverview Pointe Preserve. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524. Riverview Pointe Preserve, 8250 DeSoto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton, FL 34209
Saturday, May 12, 9 to 11 a.m. – NATURE GAMES WORKSHOP – Are you a scout leader, educator, or work with youth and are tired of the same old games? Delve into the world of Nature Games and expand your programs. Whether it is icebreakers, time fillers, or teambuilding we have the activities to shake up your old routine. All participants will learn the everyday materials needed for the program, and receive a set of directions for all games played. Program suitable for ages 16 and up. Reservations are required by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org, or call 941-748-4501, ext. 6034. $5 materials fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST, 1704 99th Street N.W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Saturday, May 12, 1 to 4 p.m. – NEST NATURE DAYS – The brand-new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for an afternoon of exploration. 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 panorama views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. Learn about upcoming programs and exciting new additions to Robinson Preserve. Suitable for all ages. No reservations required. For more information, call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th Street N.W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Tuesday, May 15, 2 to 4 p.m. – HOMESCHOOL BIOLOGY LABS: PLANKTON – Join us for our new series of homeschool biology labs for middle school students. This recurring program will give older students the opportunity to participate in laboratory style programs and get hands-on experience in the biology field. In this lab, you will be discovering microscopic worlds by creating devices to capture plankton, using these devices in the field, and bringing samples back to the lab to study them under the microscopes. Program recommended for students 11 years and older. Reservations are required by emailing amy.may@mymanatee.org, or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6044. $10 materials fee per student, payable by cash only. Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221.
Wednesday, May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – CANINE BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND COGNITION – Calling all dog lovers — join in for an informative chat about the development of the canine brain from puppyhood into adulthood. Learn about the importance of puppy socialization and what your dog may really be thinking. Program suitable for dog owners ages 16 and up. This program is for humans only — leave pups at home. Reservations are required by calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6036, or email elena.burke@mymanatee.org. GT Bray Movie Room, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, FL 34209
Thursday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon – EMERSON ENHANCERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY – Come and be part of a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about Emerson Point Preserve. They do whatever is needed, from cleaning up the point for marine debris, removing exotic invasive plants from the Temple Mound and classroom area, to making enhancements to the butterfly garden. Program suitable for all ages. Register by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org, or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6035. Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221
Thursday, May 17, 10 a.m. to noon – GREEN EXPLORERS: EXTREME STREAM – Does your child like to explore? Do they enjoy playing in water? Spending unstructured time in nature inspires confidence, encourages problem-solving skills, and provides social outlets for children of all ages. Physically playing on uneven surfaces even helps children develop stronger coordination and balance skills. Come out for a fun, low structure, high social experience where children get back to playing with nature. This month they will be focused on exploring the stream. Suitable for all ages. For more information, call 941-748-4501, ext. 6034. Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL 34219
Thursday, May 17, 2 to 4 p.m. – HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: NIMBLE NESTERS – Spring is in full swing and it’s a busy time in nature because animals are hard at work building their nests. Learn about some very important nesters that call Florida home and about the unique types of nests they build. Explore animal engineering and the concept of biomimicry to discover ways to learn from nature’s nesters. Take an interactive nature walk and build nesting balls to help your neighborhood nesters. Program recommended for 6- to 10-year-olds, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are required by emailing amy.may@mymanatee.org, or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221
Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL 34219
