October offers array of free events from Natural Resources

MANATEE COUNTY - It's said that in fall things cool off around here. That may or may not be true, but there are plenty of activities coming up in October and you never know, we may see temperatures in the 60s again soon.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Natural Resources Department staff will hold wagon rides throughout the day, beginning at 8 a.m., in celebration of the "Do the Loop" Event. This event represents a celebration of the unique organizations in the northwest Bradenton "Loop" area: The Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, Geraldsons Farm and Robinson Preserve. Tours will run throughout the day until 3 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.) and there will be opportunities to "walk up" as well as to make reservations in advance.

The Master Gardener tours to three of the preserves are back. Master Gardeners Mike, Larry and Sam will be offering tours at Riverview Pointe/DeSoto National Memorial, Emerson Point and Robinson Preserves (respectively) for the next several months.

Here are some of the events on tap for October.

• Saturday Oct. 3, 7to 9:00 p.m. - FULL MOON PADDLE - Grab your paddles and get ready for a full moon adventure through the mangrove tunnels at Emerson Point Preserve. Use the silvery light of the moon to navigate the waters with your guide. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak, light and safety gear. Suitable for participants age 16 and up. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 7.

• Sunday, Oct. 4, 9 to 11 a.m. - MASTER GARDENER TOUR - The Master Gardeners return to Robinson Preserve to host their regular nature tours. Learn more about Florida's native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 to 11 a.m. - MASTER GARDENER TOUR - Join Master Gardener Mike Corso for a nature walk through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 to 4 p.m. - WILD KIDS WEEKENDS: SCARY THINGS OF THE SEA - Sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays ... these creatures have a bad reputation, but are they really scary? Come learn about scary sea monsters and find out the truth behind these fearsome creatures. Suitable for all children age 6 and older. Reservations are required. Please call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• Friday, Oct. 16, 10 to 11 a.m. - TALL TAILS TRIBE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: GOING BATTY! - Flap your wings to fly like a bat. Learn about the exciting night life of Florida's bats and discover how these tiny mammals survive in the dark. Program at Emerson Point Preserve

  suitable for children ages 5 and under. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 3.

• Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 to 11 a.m. - MASTER GARDENER TOUR - Master Gardener Larry Bearse is back at Emerson Point Preserve to present his wonderful plant walks. Join him for a relaxing stroll to see what's in bloom. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - PALMA SOLA BOTANICAL PARK PLANT AND ANTIQUES SALE - Part of the "Do the Loop" event. Stop by the booth, pick up the latest Vistas newsletter, brochures, and say hello. Chat with the staff to learn more about the preserves, volunteering and county preservation policies. Suitable for participants of all ages. Interested in volunteering to help staff the booth? Call (941) 748-4501, Ext. 4605 to register to help. Call the Gardens at (941) 761-2866 for more information. Palma Sola Botanical Gardens

• Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - "DO THE LOOP" NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOURS - Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve's history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Multiple 60-minute trips will be taken during the day in celebration of the "Do the Loop" event. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are suggested. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.

• Saturday Oct. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. - WILD KIDS WEEKENDS: CREEPY CRAWLIES - Snakes and spiders and slugs. Hands-on activities will help children discover the decidedly yucky and spooky side of outdoor science. This special nighttime program will include a fun flashlight hike to visit the Rye Family graveyard and a marshmallow roast around a campfire. Program suitable for children ages 5 and up. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - WILD FL 101: POISONS AND VENOMS - Double, bubble, toil, and trouble ... stir up an evening of excitement with naturalist Melissa during this special themed program at Emerson Point Preserve. Program participants will learn about a variety of beautifully deadly creatures that have, thanks to nature, special ways of protecting themselves. Participants will remain safe at all times. Suitable for participants age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 5.