Summer Adventure Camps

Looking for adventure for the kids this summer? Join a week-long adventure camp sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department. Call 941-742-5923, or visit http://bit.ly/PNRDcamps to register and for more information. Here are some of the camps provided in June:

Freshwater Fishing Fun at Jiggs Landing • $150

Ages 9 to 12 • Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Session 2: July 16 through 20

Cast off on a fish-filled adventure and reel in some fun. Campers will learn how to fish as they discover different types of tackle, learn about freshwater residents of Jiggs Landing, and end the week with an old-fashioned fish fry. All participants will receive a rod reel and tackle box.

Paddleboard Camp at Robinson Preserve • $125

Ages 8 to 13 • Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 1: June 18 through 22

Session 2: June 25 through 29 

Learn how to stand-up paddleboard this summer, exploring nature while gaining skills on the board. Water safety, paddle technique and balance will be taught in the calm smooth waters of the preserve all while learning about the local wildlife.

Right on Target Archery Camp at Rye Preserve • $125

Ages 9 to 12 • Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 11 through 14 

Ready, aim, shoot. Spend a week learning all about archery while developing skills on the range. Each day campers will enjoy a variety of archery-themed activities, from skill drills to creating paintings using arrow-popped balloons.

Sun and Fun Saltwater Fishing Camp • Emerson Point Preserve • $150

Ages 9 to 12 • Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Session 1: June 18 through 22

Session 2: July 23 through 27

Grab your rods and get ready to catch a big one. From tackle to take limits, campers will be taught everything they need to know in order to fish in Manatee County’s beautiful saltwater bays and gulfs. The week will end in a fish fry. All participants will receive a rod, reel and tackle box.

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MORE JUNE ADVENTURES….

 Friday 8th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – A PAGE FROM THE OUTDOORS: HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS HOUSE ANIMALS – Bring your elementary aged students to the library this summer as we let books guide us through an exploration of nature! This program will focus on a different book each week and will help foster an appreciation for the natural world through reading. This week, we will be using the Harry Potter series to learn more about the animals that represent each Hogwarts House. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for elementary age children. For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Palmetto Library

Saturday 9th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – NEST NATURE DAYS – The brand-new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for a day 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 please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

 Saturday 9th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – SUNSET, STARLIGHT PADDLE – What a great way to spend a June evening: sunset and starlight paddle with our kayak guide from Wayne Adventures. Come out and enjoy the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve. We will take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbars of the Manatee River. We will be escorted back by the stars. Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers.Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Program suitable individuals who can meet the County’s minimum eligibility requirements . Children age 16 and under must be accompanied in the same boat by an adult. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Robinson Preserve

Monday 11th – Friday 15th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – ARCHERY CAMP – Ready, aim, shoot! Spend a week learning all about archery while developing skills on the range. Each day campers will enjoy a variety of archery themed activities, from skill drills to creating paintings using arrow-popped balloons. Hone our archery skills while exploring the great outdoors with activities like fort building, animal tracking, and river explorations. Camp open to ages 9 – 12. Register online at http://bit.ly/PNRDcamps or call 941-742-5923 for more information. $125 Camp Registration. Rye Preserve

Tuesday 12th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – SUNSET TAI CHI – Join us for this new monthly class, now on the lawn of the newly-opened Mosaic NEST! At sunset on the second Tuesday of the month, Dr. Brian Nell, a fifth degree blackbelt in kung fu and 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. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts. Suitable for ages 13 and up. Please call 941-742-5923 for ext. 6039 to register. $5 Participant Fee payable by cash only. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Thursday 14th, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – SCIENCE AND SERVICE BOOK CLUB – Looking for a volunteer opportunity in the cool of the evening at beautiful Robinson Preserve? Come out to the newest part of Robinson for our book club with a service twist. Every month we will read different book from science and history about Florida, and discuss, and follow it with a restoration project in the preserve. This month will beA Land Remembered by Patrick Smith.Program is suitable for bookworms 14 and up. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035 to register. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Friday 15th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – A PAGE FROM THE OUTDOORS: ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS – Bring your elementary aged students to the library this summer as we let books guide us through an exploration of nature! This program will focus on a different book each week and will help foster an appreciation for the natural world through reading. This week, we will be reading excerpts from Island of the Blue Dolphins to learn about bottlenose dolphins and their amazing adaptations. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD.Program suitable for elementary age children.For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6036. Palmetto Library

Saturday 16th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – COQUINA COASTAL CLEANUP – Time to save the seas! Grab your gloves, hat, and sunscreen – we’ll provide the trash bags and grabbers – and take an active role in helping the environment. Your hard work will help keep the beaches beautiful and the wildlife safe. This is a great opportunity for teens looking to earn volunteer hours. Program suitablefor volunteers of all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6035. Coquina Beach-meet at the South Manatee Boat Ramp

 Saturday 16th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – RYE PRESERVE NATURE CENTER OPEN – We are opening the doors of the newest addition to Rye Preserve. Come view a variety of exhibits that highlight the history of Rye and its uplands habitat. Department staff will take visitors on guided tours of the Center, and lead special hands-on activities related to each exhibit. Suitable for all ages.For more information please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Rye Preserve

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM – PADDLEBOARD CAMP – Learn how to Stand-Up Paddleboard this summer, exploring nature while gaining skills on the board. Water safety, paddle technique, and balance will be taught in the calm smooth waters of the preserve all while learning about the local wildlife. This is a great way to spend the summer outdoors while building physical skills and confidence!Camp open to ages 8 – 13. Register online at http://bit.ly/PNRDcamps or call 941-742-5923 for more information. $125 Camp Registration. Robinson Preserve

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – SALTWATER FISHING CAMP – Grab your rods and get ready to catch a big one! From tackle to take limits, campers will be taught everything they need to know to fish in Manatee County’s beautiful saltwater Bays and Gulfs. The week will end in a fabulously fun fish fry! All participants will receive a rod reel and tackle box! Camp open to ages 9 – 12. Rods and reels sponsored by Fish Florida. Register online at http://bit.ly/PNRDcamps or call 941-742-5923 for more information. $150 Camp Registration. Emerson Point Preserve

Tuesday 19th, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM – PROJECT WILD – For the first time in the state of Florida, we are offering an introduction to the new edition of Project WILD! Are you ready to bring an amazing array of nature based activities into your classroom, homeschool or youth group? Want to help inspire your students and kids to love nature? Get a hands-on feel for new lessons as we walk you through featured activities. This FREE educational workshop will teach you how to use Florida’s wildlife and habitats in exciting new lessons. The workshop will include activities to use with students along with your own copy of the COMPLETELY NEW Project WILD Activity Guide. Get a chance to meet Florida’s Project WILD Coordinator, Anita Forester, and discuss other opportunities to expand your educational repertoire. Program suitable for anyone 16 or older working with kids or interested in environmental education. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided, but please pack a lunch. Workshop co-sponsored by Project WILD Florida. Reservations are required. Please email melissa.nell@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday 20th, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – ANNOUNCING A NEW PADDLE LOCATION FOR EXPERIENCED PADDLERS: ANNA MARIA TO PASSAGE KEY – Experienced paddlers will enjoy a guided open water trip by WayneAdventures to Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge to explore the waters between Anna Maria and Passage Key where dolphins, rays and sharks are often seen. Adults with prior open water experience, rescue skills and appropriate kayak are required. This area is subject to currents and winds. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear suited for open water trips (spray skirt or sit-on-top kayak, etc.). Program suitable for adults with advanced kayaking experience who can meet the County’s minimum eligibility requirements . All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Anna Maria Bayfront Park

Thursday 21st, 5:00 PM – 7:00 P M – AMBASSADOGS INFO STATION – Do you enjoy walking your dog in our parks and preserves? Stop by the Ambassadogs table for information on how you and your pup can volunteer with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources to help keep our waterways clean. We will be located at the entrance of the Riverview Pointe Preserve trail. For more information, call 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or e-mail elena.burke@mymanatee.org Riverview Pointe Preserve

Friday 22nd, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – A PAGE FROM THE OUTDOORS: WIND IN THE WILLOWS, AMPHIBIOUS FRIENDS – Bring your elementary aged students to the library this summer as we let books guide us through an exploration of nature! This program will focus on a different book each week and will help foster an appreciation for the natural world through reading. This week, we will delve into the world of the wild woods, exploring the amazing characteristics of toads and frogs. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for elementary age children. For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Palmetto Library

Saturday 23rd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – UPPER GAMBLE CREEK PADDLE – Add another section of Manatee’s Blueway Trails to your bucket list. Join our nature guide from Wayne Adventures who will lead a one-way paddle down this meandering river which winds for several miles through oak hammocks and salt marshes before joining with the Upper Manatee river to form the Manatee River. We will launch from the Mulholland Rd bridge where it crosses Gamble Creek and take out at the Ft. Hamer boat launch. While not for first time kayakers, beginning kayakers who can paddle 4-6 miles are welcome.Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Program suitable for adults who can meet the County’s minimum eligibility requirements . All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 7. Mulholland Rd Bridge at Gamble Creek

Saturday 23rd, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – NEST NATURE DAYS – The brand-new Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology will open its doors for a day 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 please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

 Monday 25th – Friday 29th, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM – PADDLEBOARD CAMP – Learn how to Stand-Up Paddleboard this summer, exploring nature while gaining skills on the board. Water safety, paddle technique, and balance will be taught in the calm smooth waters of the preserve all while learning about the local wildlife. This is a great way to spend the summer outdoors while building physical skills and confidence!Camp open to ages 8 – 13. Register online at http://bit.ly/PNRDcamps or call 941-742-5923 for more information. $125 Camp Registration. Robinson Preserve 

Tuesday 26th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – HOMESCHOOL BIOLOGY LABS: SEAGRASS SURVEYS PART 1 – Join us for this two-part homeschool biology lab where we will conduct a survey of the seagrass beds of Emerson Point Preserve! This first program will teach students everything from proper survey methods, to plant and animal identification, and will prepare students for the surveying we will doing during the second part of our lab on July 10th. At the second lab, we will learn the basics of snorkeling and combine these skills to conduct our snorkel seagrass surveys! For this class, we will be dip netting, so please bring shoes and clothes that can get wet, a towel, and maybe a change of clothes. Program recommended for students 11 years and older. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing amy.may@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044 . $10 fee per student, payable by cash only. Emerson Point Preserve

Tuesday 26th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 P M – NATURE TRIVIA NIGHT: FAMILY EDITION – Put on your thinking caps and bring your family for a night of trivia! Join us for some friendly competition while you and your team answer questions about science, nature, animals, Florida history, and our local parks and preserves. You may play individually, or as a team. Program is suitable for all ages. For more information contact 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or e-mail elena.burke@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Wednesday 27th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – LIBRARY LEARNING: NATURE SOUNDS – Grab your young learners and join us for some nature time at the library! Listen to a story and participate in interactive games and activities to learn all about the fascinating sounds we can find in nature. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. Program suitable for preschool age children. For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Braden River Library

Wednesday 27th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 P M – WILDLIFE SPOTLIGHT: SEAHORSES AND PIPEFISH – Get ready to discover a fascinating family of fish- the Syngnathids! Learn about the amazing adaptations and life cycle of seahorses and pipefish and the conservation efforts put in place to protect them. We will also be dip netting to look for these unique creatures so we can explore them up close! Be sure to bring a towel, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or e-mail elena.burke@mymanatee.org Emerson Point Preserve – Mable and Freeman Horton Field Study Station

Thursday 28th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – SNORKELING 101: EMERSON POINT – Splash into Manatee County’s NEW Snorkeling 101 Program! Explore the world hiding below the waves and get a glimpse of local wildlife. Learn how to use snorkel equipment, water safety, and laws pertaining to this fun recreational activity. We will explore simple ways to conserve and protect the estuarial environment. All participants must be able to competently swim. Snorkeling gear made possible by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program License Plate program. Program suitable for ages 12 and up. Each family must come with a participating adult. Reservations are required – Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5757 ext.4 . Emerson Point Preserve

Thursday 28th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: GREENWISE OLYMPICS – School is out and so are you! Get ready to get outside and see where you place in the Greenwise Olympics! Take a break with the whole family and explore the ways in which we can make an important difference in preserving our Earth. Get competitive with your desire to reuse by playing a rousing game of Milk Jug Soccer, plant your very own seeds in an egg crate to take home, and lend a helping hand by scouring the shoreline for harmful micro-plastics. Immerse yourself in a multi-layered experience where you will get to discover cool ways that we as humans are part of the solution. Learn, play, and become a positive force in your own local ecosystem! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 4. Emerson Point Preserve

Friday 29th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – A PAGE FROM THE OUTDOORS: FANTASTIC MR. FOX – Bring your elementary aged students to the library this summer as we let books guide us through an exploration of nature! This program will focus on a different book each week and will help foster an appreciation for the natural world through reading. This week, we will be learning about foxes as we read Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD.Program suitable for elementary age children.For more information please call 941-742-5923 ext. 6036. Palmetto Library

Saturday 30th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – SUNRISE SHUTTER STROLL AT THE EXPANSION – Join us for the first Shutter Stroll at the newly-opened Robinson Expansion. Bring your camera or your phone and walk the new trails in the early morning for a chance to see some of our resident wildlife including spoonbills, herons, egrets, and perhaps even bald eagles. The open landscape provides wide vistas and clear views of the bird life present. Don’t miss your chance to see the preserve at this early stage – you may not recognize the same site in the coming years!Program suitable for ages 16 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 9. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot

Saturday 30th, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: DIP NET AT THE POINT – Bring the whole family on an adventure all the way out to the very “point” of Emerson Point Preserve and explore what lies beneath the waves. Come discover the wide variety of unique creatures that live on our shorelines and learn how to identify them. You’ll meet marvelous mollusks, sensational sea grasses, and maybe some cool crustaceans! For this program, we will be in the water dip netting, so be sure to bring shoes and clothes that can get wet and a towel. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing amy.may@mymanatee.org or by calling 941-742-5923 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve

ONGOING/AS NEEDED: RIP SQUAD VOLUNTEER WORKDAY – 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, send an email to Erin at Erin.Struzzieri@mymanatee.org Location and time TBA – chosen based on need.