Eco-Events. February The Parks and Natural Resources Department s Calendar of Events

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1 Thursday 2 nd, 2:00 PM 5:00 PM FIBER FUNGI--Your creative fiber skills are needed! We are making a collection of fiber fungi, textile toadstools, and enchanting epiphytes out of yarn and cloth for an educational exhibition. If you can knit, crochet, sew, or felt, we have an organism for you to make. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext or ing Michelle.Leahy@mymanatee.org to register. GT Bray Recreation Center Saturday 4 th, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM RYE PRESERVE MASTER NATURALIST TOUR Join the Florida Master Naturalists on a hike to visit the historical homestead of the original European decedents of the Rye family (1861). The hike will include the homestead, the nature center, and a stroll through the local flora and fauna. Drinking water and hiking sticks are recommended. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Naturalists. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at Rye Preserve Saturday 4 th, 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 ext Rye Preserve Saturday 4 th, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM STARRY NIGHT TELESCOPE EXPLORATION Set your gaze skyward and search the heavens for a glimpse into the stars. Get a chance to view the skies through a high-powered telescope. Learn how to identify heavenly bodies, and how you can star gaze at home too. The preserve is closed after dark, but we re giving you a special opportunity to explore with a naturalist guide. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call ext Perico Preserve Tuesday 7 th, 9:00 AM 1:00 PM PADDLING MARIPOSA KEY VIA FROG CREEK Join our kayak guide and naturalist from WayneAdventures as we explore mangrove islands/tunnels, restored salt water marshes and more isolated mangroves. Frog Creek, Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, Moses Hole and Mariposa Key, all in 1 trip! We may not even see any other humans during the paddle. This is for intermediate beginner paddlers who have paddled 6-8 miles. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Launch is approx 417 Terra Ceia Rd where the bridge crosses over Frog Creek at the head of Terra Ceia Bay. Reservations are required. Please call ext. 7. Frog Creek Wednesday 8 th, 4:30 PM 5:30 PM AFTERNOON YOGA Relax and unwind with an invigorating Vinyasa yoga flow surrounded by the beauty of nature. Breathe and stretch while red wing blackbirds sing in the marsh nearby and enjoy relief from a hectic work week. Guided by yogi Betsy Anderson, a certified instructor who has been practicing for 20 years, this class is a great opportunity for all levels to experience outdoor yoga including beginners.please bring your own yoga mat and be ready for a unique FREE afternoon! Suitable for ages 13 and up. Reservations are required. Please call ext. 6 to reserve your spot today. Conservatory Park

2 Thursday 9 th, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM RYE PRESERVERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY At Rye Preserve, we are all about plants! Whether it is seed-collecting, making enhancements to the garden, or removing exotic invasive plants, we need your help to make it a better place for native plants and animals. If you love native plants, biodiversity, seeds, and lending a helping hand, this is the workday for you! Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by ing Michelle.Leahy@mymanatee.org or calling ext to register. Rye Preserve Saturday 11 th, 8:30 AM 12:30 PM DUETTE PRESERVE WAGON TOUR Roll through Duette Preserve in a covered wagon and discover the site's beautiful pine forests, scrub, and open prairie. You might even spot a Florida scrub-jay or two! Naturalist guides will interpret the story of the 20,000+ acre site. Program sponsored by Manatee Fish and Game Association, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, and Around the Bend Nature Tours. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please visit to register. Duette Preserve Saturday 11 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EMERSON POINT MASTER GARDENER TOUR Stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to learn more about Florida s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Tour begins at the observation tower parking area.sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at Emerson Point Preserve Saturday 11 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM RIVERVIEW POINTE MASTER GARDENER TOUR Join a Certified Master Gardener for a relaxing walk through Robinson Preserve. Your stroll will take you through the preserve's salt marshes to learn more about the area's native coastal plants. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at Riverview Pointe Preserve Saturday 11 th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: BOTONICAL QUEST Leaves, shoots, and roots, come be a Botanist for a day. Plants are vital to humans and animals as a food source, habitats, and medicine for humans. Let s explore the vegetation through games, activities, and art. Come out and join us on our plant adventure stroll through Emerson Point Preserve. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you can attend by calling ext. 4. Emerson Point Preserve Tuesday 14 th, 8:30 AM 10:30 AM EMERSON POINT MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR Search the skies for Florida s fabulous fliers! Birder Lucette 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 sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext Emerson Point Preserve Wednesday 15 th Saturday 25 th, 9:00 AM 4:00 PM SPLASH TRASH TOUR AT ROBINSON PRESERVE The Splash Trash Tour is coming to the Valentine House! This unique interactive exhibit features a variety of artwork made out of materials found along the world's beaches. The tour combines art made out of objects found on the beach with an interactive educational exhibit about trash in our oceans and what we can do to make a difference. The exhibits will be installed at Robinson from Wednesday February 15 to Saturday February 25 (we will be closed on President's Day), and visitors can marvel at the transformation of trash into art. Suitable for all ages. To find out more about the Splash Trash Tour, to book a special free group tour, or to inquire about hosting artist in resident Bette Booth please contact Melissa.nell@mymanatee.org Robinson Preserve

3 Wednesday 15 th, 2:00 PM 3:00 PM LIBRARY LEARNING: TRASH IN OUR OCEANS - What is the status of plastic trash in our oceans and what can we do to make a difference? Is recycling the answer? Is ocean clean-up technology the answer? Join Splash Trash Tour artist and creator Bette Booth in this interactive presentation to learn the answers to these and many other questions about trash in our oceans! Program suitable for adults. Island Library Thursday 16 th, 2:00 PM 4:00 PM HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: SPLASH TRASH TOUR For this month's HSC we are at a special location with a special guest instructor! Our PNRD naturalists will be joined by artist Bette Booth who will share her Splash Trash Tour with program participants. Discover the science behind microplastics, experiment with the water column and work to create a piece of art that will be on display at the Valentine House during the Splash Trash Tour. Program suitable for children ages 6 to 12. Reservations are required. Please call ext Robinson Preserve Thursday 16 th, 2:00 PM 5:00 PM FIBER FUNGI Your creative fiber skills are needed! We are making a collection of fiber fungi, textile toadstools, and enchanting epiphytes out of yarn and cloth for an educational exhibition. If you can knit, crochet, sew, or felt, we have an organism for you to make. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext or ing Michelle.Leahy@mymanatee.org to register. GT Bray Recreation Center Friday 17 th, 4:00 PM 7:00 PM SPLASH TRASH TOUR GRAND OPENING Come explore the Splash Trash Tour at Robinson Preserve! Artist in residence Bette Booth will be your host as we celebrate her work and her crusade to spread the word about trash in the world's oceans. While the exhibit will open Wednesday, this will be our special kick off and celebration of the first traveling exhibit of 2017! Light refreshments will be served during this meet and greet with the artist. Suitable for all ages, especially great for adults. Reservations are not required. Robinson Preserve Saturday 18 th, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM 4:00 PM GUIDED TOURS OF THE SPLASH TRASH TOUR EXHIBIT Join Splash Trash Tour Creator Bette Booth for two special guided tours of the exhibit. Bette will share stories about each piece and describe the process behind their creation. Hands-on science experiments will help participants learn about the effect of plastics in the ocean, and visitors will also get the chance to create their own piece of recycled art, building a large piece that will remain on display at Robinson after the tour moves on. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call (941) ext to make reservations. Robinson Preserve Saturday 18 th, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM SUN SPOTTING See the sun as you have never seen it before. Join us for a special look through a Hydrogen Alpha solar telescope. Come see the sun in perfectly safe H Alpha light and observe solar granulation, filaments, sunspots and even solar flares. Stop by the lawn of the Valentine House to say Hello and take a look through the solar scope. This is guaranteed to be a unique viewing experience. No reservations needed. For more information please call ext Robinson Preserve Saturday 18 th, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM ROBINSON PRESERVE PADDLE Come out and enjoy the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve with our nature guide from WayneAdventures. This is an easy paddle which can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers. Program suitable for all ages. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call ext. 7. Robinson Preserve

4 Saturday 18 th, 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 ext Rye Preserve Saturday 18 th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: I SAW a FLY What s the buzz? Flies, Bees and Butterflies are coming to a location near you. Let s discover the adaptations that make bugs, bugs and explore their habitats. Through hands on activities, games, and experiments we will have your family whirring about bugs. Program suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by ing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling ext.4. Rye Preserve Sunday 19 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM ROBINSON PRESERVE 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 enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at Robinson Preserve Wednesday 22 nd, 10:15 AM 11:15 AM LIBRARY LEARNING: SPLASH TRASH TOUR - Have you ever seen trash on the beach? Where does it come from? Where does it go? What can you do to make a difference? Splash Trash Tour creator and artist Bette Booth will share children's stories and games to help participants learn the answers to these questions. The program will include an opportunity for children and their families to work together to build a piece of art that will be featured in the tour at Robinson Preserve. Program is suitable for children ages 6 and under. Braden River Library Wednesday 22 nd, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM WILD FLORIDA 101: BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Do you enjoy wildlife or nature photography? Now is your chance to join us on this adventure through Emerson Point Preserve to get the opportunity to capture photos of wildlife in their natural surroundings. Expand your creativity with others that love photography. You will learn tips and techniques that will improve your wildlife photography. Participants must bring their own camera and appropriate clothing for nature walks. Please bring bug spray. Suitable for ages 13 or older. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you can attend by calling ext. 5. Emerson Point Preserve Thursday 23 rd, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM FOUR ELEMENTS EARTHWALK: FIRE This ongoing monthly series will help you relax, destress, and reconnect deeply with nature. Learn to savor nature by turning off your brain and focusing on the present moment using basic mindfulness techniques with a new element-based theme each month. Fire s walk is the walk of life and energy, so we will discover the new breath of spring emerging from the winter. We will look for this energy, sustaining and nourishing in all things and shining out from the brilliant sun, and discover how we can bring that into our own mindfulness practice. We will practice basic mindfulness techniques as we learn how to apply nature s teachings and elements to our own experience. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Ungarelli Preserve

5 Thursday 23 rd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MOODY BRANCH VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Join us for a volunteer workday at Moody Branch! We will be undergoing renovations in the next few months, and you can be part of the renovation revolution. This special place requires lots of volunteer love to help it look its best. Lend a hand to remove invasive plants and make space for native plants to feel at home. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext or ing Michelle.Leahy@mymanatee.org to register. Moody Branch Preserve Thursday 23 rd, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM GREEN EXPLORERS: KITE FLIGHT- Let s go build a kite, and send it sailing. Our blustery February winds makes perfect kite flying weather. Using hands on discovery, and the participants own 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 age 6-12 year olds, but all ages welcome. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by ing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling ext.4. Bennett Park Friday 24 th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - TALL TAILS TRIBE: FLIGHTY WEATHER- Rainy, Sunny, Cloudy; weather is all around you, deciding what you should wear and the activities you can do. Grab your toddlers and explore the outdoor conditions through temperature and weather permitting, clouds. Finishing with a weather wonderful craft that will engage the curiosity of your tyke. Program suitable for preschool age children. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by ing coral.bass@mymanatee.org or calling ext. 3. Emerson Point Preserve Friday 24 th, 2:00 PM 4:00 PM HIGH SCHOOL HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: SPLASH TRASH TOUR This month we are offering a special HSC especially for teens and tweens, featuring a special guest instructor! Our PNRD naturalists will be joined by artist Bette Booth who will share her Splash Trash Tour with program participants. Discover the science behind microplastics, experiment with the water column and work to create a piece of art that will be on display at the Valentine House during the Splash Trash Tour. Program suitable for children ages 13 and up. Reservations are required. Please call ext to register. Robinson Preserve Saturday 25 th, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM 4:00 PM GUIDED TOURS OF THE SPLASH TRASH TOUR EXHIBIT Join Splash Trash Tour Creator Bette Booth for a special guided tour of the exhibit. Bette will share stories about each piece and describe the process behind their creation. Hands-on science experiments will help participants learn about the affect of plastics in the ocean, and visitors will also get the chance to create their own piece of recycled art, building a large piece that will remain on display at Robinson after the tour moves on. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call (941) ext to make reservations. Robinson Preserve Saturday 25 th, 9:00 AM 10:00 AM NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOUR Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon! Your tour guide will explain the preserve s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. Program suitable for all ages. Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes in advance. Meet at the wagon loading ramp near the screened-in pavilion. Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis. Robinson Preserve

6 Saturday 25 th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EMERSON ENHANCERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Come and be part of a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about Emerson Point Preserve! We 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. Please let us know if you would like to attend by ing michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or calling ext to register. Emerson Point Preserve Tuesday 28 th, 8:30 AM 10:30 AM EMERSON POINT MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR Search the skies for Florida s fabulous fliers! Birder Lucette 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 sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext Emerson Point Preserve Tuesday 28 th, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM KAYAKING FOR FIRST TIMERS If you'd like to try kayaking, come on out! No prior experience necessary! Instructors from WayneAdventures will give a 3 hour class during which we will explore the marshes and mangroves of Robinson Preserve. A slow paced paddle intended to give you time to get used to your kayak while exploring Robinson Preserve. Plenty of time to try out kayaking and get some informal coaching, too. For those interested in learning how to load a kayak on your car, a demo will follow. Kayak and gear are provided. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call ext. 7. Robinson 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. 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 announcements about the RIP squad volunteer events, send an to Erin at Erin.Struzzieri@mymanatee.org. Location and time TBA - chosen based on need.