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Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources January 2015
Preserve Event Calendar

Kick off the New Year with Nature! January brings you plenty of ways to connect with the natural world. Looking keep your "get fit" New Year's Resolution? Join us with the Couch to 5K. Need to de-stress after the holidays? Try some Yoga or Tai Chi!

Got a favorite image taken in the preserves? Be sure to check out the photo contest to submit images and show us how you see the preserves!

Family and kids' programs are below in BLUE, adventure programs are in ORANGE, programs for adult learners are listed in PURPLE, and volunteer programs are listed in GREEN. 
Wednesday 7th, 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 other Wednesday with locations and tasks determined based on need, opportunity, and priority, at the time of each event. This is a great way to learn, first hand, about land management techniques and local ecology, while having a positive impact on the ecological value of County owned lands. 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 Damon at damon.moore@mymanatee.org. Location TBA - chosen based on need
Thursday 8th, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM -
PERICO PRESERVE SNEAK PEEK TOUR  

Catch a glimpse of Manatee County's newest coastal property before it is open to the public! During this tour you will have an opportunity to learn about this new preserve and see the restoration progress. Public access is only available during these special "sneak peeks" so don't miss this chance to see the site's transformation. Program suitable for ages 12 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Perico Preserve

Friday 9th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
EXPLORING EMERSON POINT: OYSTER EATERS AND MOUND BUILDERS

Join Master Naturalist Jane for a class on Emerson Point's oysters. How did prehistoric man use the marine products available?  What clues have been left behind to describe ancient life? Walk the trail through the historic site and learn about Emerson Point's ancient residents. Program suitable for ages 13 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 8 if you would like to attend. Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 10th, 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. Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis. Robinson Preserve
Saturday 10th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM -
MASTER GARDENER TOUR  

Learn more about Florida's native plants with Master Gardener Mike Corso on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. Check out the fall changes in Riverview Pointe's coastal hammock and mangrove forest. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524. Riverview Pointe Preserve

Saturday 10th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM -
SHUTTER SHOWCASE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

The PNRD is hosting its first annual photography contest and you're invited! Take part in a special tour designed to help you learn all about contest photography submission and photos. First we'll shoot, then we will have a mini-class in the Field Study Station to review the photos and get tips and tricks from nature photographer Dotty Motta. Suitable for ages 13 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 9. Emerson Point Preserve

Tuesday 13th, 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 all ages. Program sponsored by the Manatee County Audubon Society. Reservations are required. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Emerson Point Preserve
Wednesday 14th, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
AFTERNOON YOGA
Relax and unwind with a FREE 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 941-742-5757 ext. 6 to reserve your spot today. Conservatory Park
Thursday 15th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM -
TAI CHI & QIGONG 

This FREE gentle movement modality 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, suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners, will include an exploration of several different styles of Tai Chi and Qigong. The program will be led by Sensei Brian Nell, a fourth degree blackbelt in kung fu and a certified Tai Chi instructor. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts. Suitable for ages 13 and up. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 6 to reserve your spot today. Robinson Preserve

Thursday 15th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM -
HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CLUB: PIONEER PHYSICS 
Physics describes and predicts relationships between objects and their environment using concepts of energy and forces. This program will look at the lives and simple machines of early pioneers; use popcorn to demonstrate opposing forces, the sun to investigate radiation and kites and hula hoops to discover drag and the distribution of motion. We'll build solar ovens, make ultraviolet artwork, design hovercrafts and more! Program suitable for children ages 6 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6044. Emerson Point Preserve
Saturday 17th, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM -
RYE PRESERVERS VOLUNTEER WORKDAY

Everyone interested in giving one day a month to beautify Rye Preserve is welcome to attend! We will be battling exotic invaders and making Rye safe for Florida native plants and animals. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6035 to register. Rye Preserve  

Saturday 17th, 9:00AM - 12:00PM -
FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER: FISHING CLINIC

Let's go fishing! Join us as we learn more about the fish that inhabit the waters of our preserves, explore what it takes to become an ethical angler, practice your casting and knot tying skills, and pick up a few tips that will help you become a master angler! We encourage our anglers to be responsible stewards of our environment, engaging in responsible fishing practices and learning more about the importance of sport fish in our local waters. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy a wonderful day and take the skills you learn with you as you go out fishing in the waters of Jiggs Landing! Event is suitable for children ages 5 and older. Participant 16 years of age and older must have a valid Florida freshwater fishing license. Reservations are required - please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6044. Jiggs Landing

Saturday 17th, 9:00AM - 11:00 AM -
MASTER GARDENER TOUR  

 Discover which plants bloom in the cooler winter weather. Take a relaxing stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to learn more about this coastal preserve's plants and habitats. Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524.  

Emerson Point Preserve

Saturday 17th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 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 these heavenly bodies, and how you can star gaze at home too. The gates of the park are closed, but we're giving you a special opportunity to explore with a naturalist guide. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. G.T. Bray (Dog Park Entrance) 

Sunday 18th, 9:00AM - 11:00 AM -
MASTER GARDENER TOUR  

Learn more about Florida's native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. As the weather turns cooler, Robinson Preserve's resident plants undergo a miraculously colorful transformation. See Robinson's salt marsh full of beautiful fall colors! Sponsored by the IFAS Extension Program/Florida Master Gardeners Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941-722-4524. Robinson Preserve

Tuesday 20th, 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! This month we will battle against the vines around the classroom and Temple Mound Trail. Program suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling 941-748-4501 ext. 6035 to register. Emerson Point Preserve
Tuesday January 20th, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM -
COUCH TO 5K

Get ready to get fit surrounded by the beauty of nature! Come out and join our fitness team to walk and run at Robinson Preserve. This program will start out slow and build up as you reach your fitness goals. You can use this program as a preparation for the annual Robinson Preserve Race, or just as a time to get outdoors and get active. All levels of experience are welcome to attend. Program suitable for ages 13 and older. Reservations are requested - please let us know if you would like to attend. Call 941-748-4501 ext. 6044. Robinson Preserve  

 

Additional programs on: Wednesday January 21, Thursday January 22, Tuesday January 27, Wednesday January 28, Thursday January 29. 

Wednesday 21st, 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 other Wednesday with locations and tasks determined based on need, opportunity, and priority, at the time of each event. This is a great way to learn, first hand, about land management techniques and local ecology, while having a positive impact on the ecological value of County owned lands. 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 Damon at damon.moore@mymanatee.org. Location TBA - chosen based on need
Wednesday 21st, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM -
PRESERVE AMBASSADORS: ROBINSON PRESERVE
This course is designed to help volunteers learn more about Manatee County's preserve system, transforming graduates of each class into ambassadors for the individual locations. This first course focuses on Robinson Preserve's history, habitats, and wildlife as well as an update on the new acquisition. All participants will receive a certificate of completion and pin for this course. Program suitable for PNRD registered volunteers age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039.
Emerson Point Preserve (Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station)
Friday 23rd, 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. During this "Vitamin N Health in Nature" program, 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 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Neal Preserve 

Saturday 24th, 9:00AM - 11:30AM -
FAMILIES FLOCK TOGETHER:
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL 101

Join us for a morning at Rye Preserve as we practice wilderness survival skills and techniques. Explore Rye Preserve with a map and compass. Learn the basics of fire building. Build your own primitive shelter. Observe and discuss various methods of gathering water and food. Finish the morning by creating your own paracord survival bracelet.  Program suitable for ages 10 to 14. Limit 10 participants. Please wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and a comfortable shirt.  Bring plenty of water and a snack.  Sunscreen and a hat are recommended.  Reservations are required! Please call (941) 748-4501 ext 6044. Rye Preserve

Tuesday 27th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM -
LIBRARY LEARNING: NOCTURNAL NIGHTS

Which creatures are stirring in your backyard at night? Join naturalist Melissa for a look into the fascinating world of the night and Florida's nocturnal wildlife. Program suitable for adults. Rocky Bluff Library

Wednesday 28th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM -
PRESERVE AMBASSADORS:
EMERSON POINT PRESERVE

This course is designed to help volunteers learn more about Manatee County's preserve system, transforming graduates of each class into ambassadors for the individual locations. This second course focuses on Emerson Point Preserve's history, habitats, and wildlife. All participants will receive a certificate of completion and pin for this course. Program suitable for PNRD registered volunteers age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Emerson Point Preserve (Freeman and Mable Horton Field Study Station)  

Friday 30th, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM -
EDIBLE PLANTS OF WINTER

Winter time still holds many delectable surprises hidden among Florida's landscapes. Chef Aedan is going to whip up a delicious array of delicacies to tantalize your taste buds during this delightful program. Learn all about nature's bounty with a short hike to explore various native plants and their uses, then join us at the Chef's Table to sample dishes made with a variety of native ingredients. Suitable for participants age 13 and older. Reservations are required. Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6039. Robinson Preserve

Saturday 31st, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM -
KID'S ARCHERY 
This program will provide participants with basic archery instruction, familiarization with archery equipment, and instruction in shooting techniques that create successful archers. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the sport of target archery, and the knowledge to practice it safely. All equipment will be provided for use. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Program is suitable for ages 6 to 12 (archery for older participants is available on 1/31 from 1:00PM-3:00PM) Reservations are required; please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve 
Saturday 31st, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM -
YOUTH 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 sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Program is suitable for ages 13 and up.Reservations are required; please call 941-748-4501 ext. 6044. Rye Preserve  
NEW! Photography Challenge

Have a photo that shows landscapes, wildlife or people in the preserves? See how you can submit photos to the challenge!
We hope to see you out in the preserves!
 
Sincerely,
 

Melissa Nell
Manatee County Natural Resources