Eco-Events. Signature Event. December The Parks and Natural Resources Department s Calendar of Events. December

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1 2016 Thursday 1 st, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH KAYAKING: CLASSROOM SESSION If you have ever thought about kayaking, especially in our wonderful preserves, then this is for you! Listen, learn and ask questions as our kayak guide from WayneAdventures talks about the opportunities to paddle the Manatee County s award winning blueway trails. How can I have a safe and wonderful experience? How do I choose the right kayak, paddle and gear? All attendees will receive a 'next step' checklist and a copy of Paddle Manatee, A Guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. Please call ext.7 Emerson Point Preserve (Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station) Signature Event Saturday 3 rd, 4:00 PM 7:30 PM A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVENT Get ready for an evening of family fun with the annual A Night Before Christmas event at G.T. Bray Park! Santa will fly in by helicopter and then be on hand to meet with all the children who d like to visit him that night. The event will include face painting, bounce house, snow, hayrides, and much more. Families who complete Santa s passport will be entered to win a gift certificate, too! This awesome event is great for kids of all ages. Wristbands for this event are $5 for children and includes unlimited participation in all activities, bounce houses, snow, etc. Parental participation is free. Food available at an additional cost. G.T. Bray Park Tuesday 6 th, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CEMETERY RESOURCE PROTECTION TRAINING Join Florida Public Archaeology Network staff to learn about cemetery care and preservation. We will explore cemeteries as historical resources, laws that protect them, conserving headstones and markers, managing cemetery landscapes, and practice hands-on headstone cleaning. Program sponsored by the Florida Public Archaeology Network and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Spaces are limited, to register, visit or contact Becky O Sullivan at rosulliv@usf.edu Emerson Point Preserve Thursday 8 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

2 2016 Thursday 8 th, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM GREEN EXPLORERS: TREE TIME Trees are amazing. Without them, houses, furniture, and even our number 2 pencils would not be possible. We will be participating in hands on tree explorations and there will be an option to climb trees. 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 suitable for all ages 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. GT Bray Park. Thursday 8 th, 2:00 PM 4:00 PM HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: CELEBRATION OF SCIENCE Join us as we celebrate another year of the Home School Science Club! We will take time to review some of our favorite activities from the past year and we will also have an opportunity to build a holiday ornament featuring themes from our past programs. We want to thank you for a wonderful year and hope you will enjoy this opportunity to celebrate learning about science in our preserves! Program suitable for children ages 6 and older. Reservations are required. Please call ext or Cary.Catts@mymanatee.org. Emerson Point Preserve (Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station) Friday 9 th, 10:00 AM 11:00 AM TALL TAILS TRIBE: FURDAY FRIDAY- While the weather outside is frightful, for an animal, fur is fantastic! Join us for an engaging morning of exploration as we discover the wonders of fur. Get a chance to feel different types and textures of pelts while we learn which animals have adapted to wear hair. 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 Saturday 10 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 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 10 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 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 Riverview Pointe Preserve

3 2016 Sunday 11 th, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM MARINE DEBRIS KAYAK TASKFORCE: ROBINSON PRESERVE Join this dedicated group that works to combat the issue of marine debris along our preserve s shorelines. If you are passionate about helping to keep our waterways clean, this is your opportunity to make a difference! Free kayaks and gear from our WCIND-funded fleet are available to use for 10 individuals or you may bring your own. Life preservers musts be worn at all times. Program suitable for volunteers age 16 and older. Reservations are required - Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling ext or Cary.Catts@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve Tuesday 13 th, 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 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 suitable for adults. 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 13 th, 3:30 PM 4:30 PM LIBRARY LEARNING: HOLIDAYS UNDER THE SEA It is winter in the ocean; the marine snow is falling and the candy cane shrimp are hung in the grassbeds with care. Come see how the snowflake morays and the humbug damselfish are spending their holiday season, and then join us for lots of fun marine-themed hands on activities. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Library System in partnership with PNRD. No reservations are needed. Island Library Wednesday 14 th, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 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 every month 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 Cary at Cary.Catts@mymanatee.org. Location TBA - chosen based on need. Wednesday 14 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 redwinged 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

4 2016 Thursday 15 th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM KAYAKING FOR FIRST TIMERS If you would like to try kayaking, come on out! No prior experience necessary! ACA certified 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 coaching, too. For those interested in learning how to load a kayak on your car, a demo will follow. Kayak and gear are available from our WCIND-funded fleet or you may bring your own. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required. Please call ext. 7 to reserve your space. Robinson Preserve Thursday 15 th, 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 15 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 16 th, 4:30 PM 7:30 PM PADDLE ROBINSON PRESERVE - SUNSET, STARLIGHT, WATER, AND A CROWN JEWEL An easy paddle of 3 miles, enjoy the photographic view of the sun setting over Anna Maria Island. Dip netting before sunset in the sea grass beds of the Manatee River has always been a highlight of the trip. If this isn't enough, our return trip will be a great introduction to night paddling, a 'star' adventure. is the best time of year for star gazing. Learn about the award winning restoration of uplands, salt marshes, salt flats, mangroves and a tidal estuary. Robinson Preserve is certainly a crown jewel of Manatee County. Sponsored by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and WayneAdventures. Trip fee $10, kayaks available on request. Reserve online at Robinson Preserve Saturday 17 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 plant 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

5 2016 Saturday 17 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 17 th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00PM - 4:00PM 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 17 th, 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 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. You will get the opportunity to capture wildlife in their natural surroundings. Expand your creativity with peers that loves photography. You will learn tips and techniques that will improve your wild life photography. Participants must bring own camera and appropriate clothing for nature walks. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray. Program suitable for ages 13 or older. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you can attend by calling ext. 5. Emerson Point Preserve Saturday 17 th, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM STARRY NIGHT TELESCOPE EXPLORATION: DARK SKY SPECIAL! Join us for this exclusive Dark Sky Special! We will be heading to eastern Manatee County to gaze into the deep sky and observe celestial phenomena. Get a chance to view the skies through a high-powered telescope. Learn how to identify these 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 Rye Preserve Sunday 18 th, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM MASTER GARDENER TOUR: ROBINSON PRESERVE Stroll through Robinson Preserve's salt marshes to learn more about Florida's native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Tour begins in parking area by the main entrance. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at Robinson Preserve

6 2016 Tuesday 20 th, 8:00 AM 10:00 AM MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR: ROBINSON PRESERVE Search the skies for Florida s fabulous fliers! Birder Lori will lead participants on a tour through the restored habitat at Robinson Preserve. This site features salt marshes and the estuary of the Manatee River. Check out the locals as well as the migratory birds that are currently in the area. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. For more information or to let us know you would like to attend please ManateeAudubon@gmail.com Robinson Preserve Wednesday 21 st, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM MINDFULNESS IN NATURE SILENCE STROLL Join PNRD naturalist Melissa for a zen-filled hike through the coastal mangrove system. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, quieting our "busy brains" and focusing on the now. Studies have shown mindfulness techniques are great stress relievers and can have a positive impact on physical health too. Melissa will lead the group in a basic mindfulness walk to help participants unwind, relax, and focus. A portion of our walk will be done in silence, and if participants would like, barefoot, in order to completely relax. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Reservations are required. Please call ext Robinson Preserve Wednesday 21 st, 10:00 AM 1:00 PM JIGGS LANDING: BRADEN RIVER KAYAKING Launching from Jiggs Landing, we will paddle up the Braden River. Along the way we will collect trash. While not for first time paddlers, beginners who can paddle 5 miles are welcome to attend. Participants must wear a life jacket. Rentals are available from the Jiggs Landing Fish Camp at Reservations are required. Please register by calling ext. 7. Jiggs Landing Wednesday 21 st, 4:00 PM 6:00 PM FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: BIRDS OF THE SEASON White Pelicans, Black-and-White Warblers, and American Coot oh my! Migratory birds are landing at a pond near you. Learn about the needs of all birds and identifying characteristics. Using games and hands on activities we will fly in to some wonderful bird inspired learning. During the active twilight hours, the group will go on a bird search to see how many species we can spot. 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. Emerson Point Preserve Thursday 22 nd, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM YOUTH ARCHERY 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 ages 6 to 16 years old. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reservations are required; please call ext Rye Preserve

7 2016 Thursday 22 nd, 1:00 PM 3:00 PM ADULT ARCHERY 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 participants 16 years and older. Reservations are required; please call ext Rye Preserve Thursday 22 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 Tuesday 27 th Friday 30 th, 8:30 AM 12:30 PM HISTORIC VALENTINE HOUSE OPEN Visit this 19 th century house turned visitor s center, decorated in full holiday splendor. Learn about the history of the Palma Sola area and see photographs of historic Palmetto on its river journey to the current location in Robinson Preserve. Explore natural history exhibits regarding the local flora and fauna and even catch a peek from our live tower camera. All visitors are welcome, no reservations needed. Robinson Preserve (Valentine House) Tuesday 27 th Friday 30 th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00PM - 4:00PM 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 Tuesday 27 th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM DISCOVERING ROBINSON PRESERVE Join us as we explore all of the wonderful opportunities to get outdoors at Robinson Preserve. We will discuss the development of Robinson Preserve, provide insight into the new expansion site, and go on a guided walk to the observation tower. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call ext or Cary.Catts@mymanatee.org. Robinson Preserve (Valentine House) Thursday 29 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

8 2016 Thursday 29 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 30 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