October 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Download a printable version of the October Calendar of Events
Wednesday, Oct 2nd, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Soar in 4 Family Night – Soar in 4 occurs the first Wednesday of each month in downtown Bradenton. Families visit demonstration tables facilitated by Manatee County teachers, non-profit organizations, and volunteers to learn how to use various materials to support the ‘spotlight book,’ as well as incorporate take-home items to continue to play, create, learn, and explore at home together. These monthly events provide families with the resources and information to become their child’s best ‘first teacher’ at home. All activities are aligned to classroom learning. Program suitable for children and their families. Program sponsored by Soar in 4 in partnership with Manatee County. No reservations required. For more information please visit www.soarin4.org. The Bishop Museum
Thursday, Oct 3rd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Explore Nature: Tower Talk – Visit the top of the tower at Robinson Preserve to take in the beautiful views of Tampa Bay! Stop by to chat with a naturalist and learn about the plants, animals, and history of the preserve. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Tower
Thursday, Oct 3rd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Creature Feature: Do you know Crows? – Zoom into the natural world and focus on one wonderous animal species. Discover the identifiable movements and features of the wildlife and their favorite habitats to haunt. Then venture into one of Manatee Counties' preserves with your homeschooler to track the featured creature in the wild. This month, soar into Neal to discover our clever, charismatic, winged wonder crows. Program suitable 5-year-old and up. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/homeschool-creature-feature-do-you-know-crows. For more information please contact [email protected]. Neal Preserve – Pavilion
Thursday, Oct 3rd, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Web Weavers – Join us for a hands-on adventure where you'll learn about the crucial role spiders play in our environment while having fun and getting creative with spider-themed games and crafts! Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Homeschool Science Club explores scientific and natural concepts through games, crafts, and activities encouraging students to be active outdoors. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Please note the location of this session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/families-flock-together-web-weaver-s. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Conservatory Large Pavilion
Friday, Oct 4th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Explore Nature: Scrub Restoration – Stop by and learn about the amazing restoration efforts that are taking place to bring back coastal scrub species and improve gopher tortoise habitat. We will have a table at the trail head happy to talk about the great thing that are happening for the habitat. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Riverview Pointe Preserve – Trail Head
Friday, Oct 4th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Nature Tales: Bottoming Out – Does your kiddo enjoy stories and nature? Join us at Conservatory Park in Nature Tales. Meet monthly at Conservatory Park for an interactive story time, activities, and a walk in the great outdoors. This month, we will explore the animal bottoms and how they use them. Program suitable for 8 year olds and younger. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-nature-tales-feet-are-neat. For more information please contact [email protected]. Conservatory Park – Pavilion
Friday, Oct 4th, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Game Night at the Nest – Are you ready to learn a new game, or are you interested in sharing a much-beloved board game with others? Drop into the building for an evening of tabletop gaming fun! Borrow a nature-themed game from our game library or bring your favorite game from home. Meet new people and try something new. Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons are welcome too. We only ask that all content and conversations remain family-friendly. Snacks provided. Programs suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/treetots-night-creatures. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 5th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:00 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 children ages 6 to 16. Two identical sessions are offered. Please register for only one session each month. Program is suitable for children ages 6 to 16. Program sponsored by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/october-youth-archery-2024. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Saturday, Oct 5th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Oct 9th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday, Oct 10th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – TreeTots: Night Creatures – Some animals are awake during the day, and others at night. Fly into the world of night animals to discover the similarities and differences we share with these amazing animals. your little one will HOWL joyfully Through games, songs, and hands on activities. Program suitable for newborns to 2-year-old. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/treetots-night-creatures. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 12th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – CANCELLED – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – PROGRAM CANCELLED
Saturday, Oct 12th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 12th, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Starry Night Astronomy – Join us for an astronomical extravaganza! Dozens of local astronomers will be set up in the Robinson Preserve Expansion with telescopes at the ready. Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and exploration as we view the skies through high-powered telescopes. Learn how to identify heavenly bodies, and how you can stargaze at home too. Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Suncoast Stargazers in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-astronomy. Robinson Preserve – Expansion Parking Lot
Monday, Oct 14th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST – Join us for this monthly class at the NEST! At sunset on the second Monday of the month, Dr. Brian Nell, 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. This class is held rain or shine. Program suitable for adults. Program sponsored by Cypress Pillar Healing Arts in partnership with Manatee County. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/robinson-tai-chi. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Oct 16th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – CANCELLED – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – PROGRAM CANCELLED
Wednesday, Oct 16th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday, Oct 17th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Spooky Science (Rye) – Channel your inner mad scientist as we conduct a series of spooky experiments! Observe an explosive reaction, make a crime scene using pH indicators and explore polymers by making a spider's web. Join us for this and more at our frightfully cool spooky science afternoon! Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Homeschool Science Club explores scientific and natural concepts through games, crafts, and activities encouraging students to be active outdoors. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Please note the location of this session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/spooky-science-rye. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Thursday, Oct 17th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Escape Room: Swamp Mystery – Venture into the swamp to discover its mysteries and the whereabouts of missing fisherman Curtis Wallace. Become an investigator, find hidden clues, and collect items you will need to solve this enigma. Program suitable for ages 8 and up. There is a small jump scare in the escape room. Your party may opt out from the jump scare. Sessions are limited to 6 participants. All participating members of the party must purchase an individual ticket. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children throughout the experience. Please contact organizer if your party needs larger group number accommodations. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact [email protected]. $10 program fee payable online.. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Friday, Oct 18th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Science Club: Spooky Science (Emerson) – Channel your inner mad scientist as we conduct a series of spooky experiments! Observe an explosive reaction, make a crime scene using pH indicators and explore polymers by making a spider's web. Join us for this and more at our frightfully cool spooky science afternoon! Program recommended for students ages 7-13. Homeschool Science Club explores scientific and natural concepts through games, crafts, and activities encouraging students to be active outdoors. Guardians are responsible for identifying the learning maturity of their child. Please note the location of this session. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/spooky-science-emerson. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Large Pavilion #1
Friday, Oct 18th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Escape Room: Swamp Mystery – Venture into the swamp to discover its mysteries and the whereabouts of missing fisherman Curtis Wallace. Become an investigator, find hidden clues, and collect items you will need to solve this enigma. Program suitable for ages 8 and up. There is a small jump scare in the escape room. Your party may opt out from the jump scare. Sessions are limited to 6 participants. All participating members of the party must purchase an individual ticket. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children throughout the experience. Please contact organizer if your party needs larger group number accommodations. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110008. For more information please contact [email protected]. $10 program fee payable online.. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 19th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 19th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Fishing Club – Looking to try fishing? Have a burning question about a lure or rig? Bring your fishing gear or borrow ours and come get your answers at Fishing Club! Instructors can answer your questions, teach you the basics or just recommend the best places to fish in the preserve. Fishing poles are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis, for the duration of the program. Bait will be provided for the duration of the program. ¿Le gustaría experimentar con la pesca? ¿Tiene una pregunta sobre un señuelo de pesca? ¡Traiga su equipo de pesca o hasta tome el de nosotros prestado y disfrute de un día de pesca! Los maestros les pueden responder a sus preguntas, enseñarle lo básico sobre la pesca o hasta recomendar áreas para pescar en la reserva natural. La carnada será proveída durante el evento y habrán cañas de pescar, mientras disponibles, para tomar prestadas por la duración del evento. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/octoberfishingclub. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – South Fishing Dock
Wednesday, Oct 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Wednesday, Oct 23rd, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Wildlife Spotlight: Bats – Join us for a twilight walk at Robinson Preserve to look for bats! These nocturnal echolocators play a vital role in the ecosystem. Learn about the unique adaptations of nature's only winged mammals, and how you can help protect them in the wild. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wildlife-spotlight-bats. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Thursday, Oct 24th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Seashell Shore Walk – Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program will explore what makes mollusks unique and bring you up to speed on the latest research in malacology. Learn about ethical seashell-collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/seashell-shore-walk-october-2024. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Coquina Beach – Longboat Key Bridge
Thursday, Oct 24th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Green Explorers: Dem Bones – Dem bones, dem bones, dem funny bones. Explore your bones and animal bones to discover the similarities and differences, and then search for bones in the wild. Using hands-on discovery and the participant's creativity, attendees will have a chance to play in nature. Green Explorers is a structured, highly social, and experience-based activity. Program suitable for all ages recommended for ages 6-12-year-olds, but all ages welcome. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/green-explorers-dem-bones. For more information please contact [email protected]. Rye Preserve – Pavilion
Friday, Oct 25th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Wild Florida 101: Wicked Nature – Fungi that turn insects into zombies, plants that devour insects, snails that drill and liquify clams - nature has a wicked side! Join us for a walk through Emerson Point Preserve to discover the nefarious qualities of the plant and animal kingdoms. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/wild-fl-101-wicked-nature. For more information please contact [email protected] or call (941) 748-4501 ext. 6036. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Oct 25th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tall Tail Tribe: Hoot, Hoot for Owls – Whoo loves Owls? Owls are vicious predators, graceful and strong fliers of the night forest. Through games, songs, and hands on activities come discover why owls are a hoot. Program suitable for preschool age children. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://events.humanitix.com/tall-tail-tribe-hoot-hoot-for-owls. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Classroom Pavilion
Friday, Oct 25th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Homeschool Bio Lab: Bustling Bats – Learn all about the only truly flying mammal - bats! Complete a synthetic dissection of a bat and explore the science behind echolocation as we learn all the mysteries bats have to share! Program suitable for students ages 10 - 15. Homeschool Bio Lab is an advanced course where we explore higher scientific concepts and the scientific method through dissections, chemistry, and biology experiments. No refunds available. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?primarycode=110007. For more information please contact [email protected]. Emerson Point Preserve – Nature Classroom
Saturday, Oct 26th, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Tree Planting and Picnic – Help us partner with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast! This unique property is situated at the source of the Myakka River, where seven creeks converge. The Preserve’s floodplain forests contain tupelo, pop ash, and red maple trees, supporting threatened orchids and air plants. Our goal is to plant 10,000 tree saplings to reforest a native pop ash swamp which was lost due to historic water quality and quantity problems. Replanting the forest will jumpstart the healing process, improving wildlife habitat and water quality in the Myakka River. Program suitable for all ages. Participants under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. Program sponsored by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership, Friends of Myakka River, the Florida Native Plant Society Serenoa Chapter in partnership with Manatee County. Participants should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing for working outdoors. We recommend sun protection and bug spray. Closed-toed shoes are required. Depending on rainfall patterns, some of the trails may be flooded. Please not that there are no restrooms available on site, but we will have a port-o-let. All tools, gloves, and planting materials will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a cordless electric drill and gloves from home if desired. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/myakka-headwaters-tree-planting-and-picnic-volunteer-event-tickets-951673540177?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information please contact [email protected]. Myakka Headwaters Preserve
Saturday, Oct 26th, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Duette Wagon Tour: Fall Wildflowers – Discover over 20,000 acres of Duette Preserve from a covered wagon. With a Master Naturalist guide and a Park Ranger, discover the story of restoration and wildlife. Witness Pine Flatwoods, River Floodplain, and Scrub ecosystems, and maybe even spot a Florida Scrub-jay! Program suitable for all ages. Program sponsored by Manatee Fish and Game Association in partnership with Manatee County. Please arrive early as the wagon will depart on time. Bring a water bottle and a seat cushion or pad to sit on. Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/manatee-fish-game/duette-wagon-tour-fall-wildflowers. Duette Preserve – Ranger Station
Saturday, Oct 26th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – CANCELLED – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – PROGRAM CANCELLED
Saturday, Oct 26th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Saturday Mornings at the NEST – Join us at the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology for a morning of discovery. Explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panoramic views, and make an exciting exit from the building via slide. This week we will have special guests from DeSoto National Memorial with activities for kids. Program suitable for all ages. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST
Saturday, Oct 26th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – CANCELLED – Robinson Preserve Tram Tour – PROGRAM CANCELLED
Sunday, Oct 27th, – Thursday, Oct 31st, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Haunted Fish Camp – Prepare for a spine-chilling adventure at the 3rd Annual Haunted Fish Camp at Jiggs Landing! This year, the historic fish camp transforms into a haunted haven for five frightful nights. Embark on a self-guided tour through the eerie grounds, where the ghost of Captain Fish Hook, a pirate lost for centuries, roams. Legend has it that his crew abandoned him in near Tampa Bay, and later he met his end at the hands of an evil fisherman at Jiggs Landing. Event suitable for all ages. Children (12 and under) are free. All others are $5. No reservations are required. For more information please visit www.jiggslanding.com or call (941) 727-4181. Jiggs Landing
Wednesday, Oct 30th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tortoise Talk – Join us for this informal program on the lawn of the NEST as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. For more information please contact [email protected]. Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST