Plenty to do this month in Manatee's preserves

In July in Florida, it may seem that the only sane thing to do is live life in the air conditioning until the rain stops or the blast furnace (aka, a typical hot day in Florida) cools off, or both, but there are still some fun things to do outside, according to the Melissa Cain Nell of the Manatee County Natural Resources Department.

Here are some of the events coming up this month that can get you and the kids out of the house.

• SEASHORE SURPRISES SHUTTER STROLL - The moon will be full and the tide will be low on July 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and nature photographer Dotty Motta invites you to share in photographing shells, her favorite snapshot subject, and the other creatures of the sea at Emerson Point Preserve. Scour the beach at extreme low tide to see what wonderful photographic opportunities wash up. Motta will share tips and tricks on how to photograph in this format. Wading will be permitted; dress to get wet with closed-toe shoes if you would like to dip-net. Suitable for participants age 16 and up. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 9.

• WILD KIDS WEEKENDS: SUMMER IN THE SALT MARSH - Crabs, herons, foxes and fish are just a few of the creatures that inhabit the salt marsh. Join naturalist Melissa on July 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. for a romp through the super salty marsh in the Robinson Preserve to look for tracks, scat and other animal signs. We'll step carefully through the grass and wade into the water to find out which critters co-exist in the marsh and then plant marsh grass to help these animals have a happy home. Dress to get wet. Suitable for children ages 6 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• VOLUNTEER WORKDAY: CONSTRUCTION DAY - Help build "water watchers" out of five-gallon buckets in the Robinson Preserve on July 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. Learn to create these easy-to-make educational tools as you help build them for use in the department's upcoming programs. This low-impact workday will take place in the shade, a perfect way to help out while beating the heat. Suitable for all ages. Calling (941) 742-5757, Ext. 2.

• TALL TAILS TRIBE: MAKE A SPLASH - Swimming, swimming in the ocean blue ... the water's filled with fish just waiting to meet you. Come learn about the fabulous fish that can be found in Florida's coastal waters on July 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Emerson Point Preserve. Dress to get wet; we'll wade in the water and use nets to catch and release new fishy friends. Suitable for children ages 5 and younger. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 3.

• NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOURS - Celebrate Robinson Preserve's anniversary with a relaxed ride in the department's Conestoga wagons on July 18 at 8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve's history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and will describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute trips will be taken and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.

• ADVEN-TOUR: HISTORY HIKE - Take a healthy afternoon hike through the ancient Native American village at Emerson Point Preserve on July 18 from 3 to 4 p.m. The new "Adven-tours" will keep you healthy and happy as you learn about Manatee County's natural resources. Naturalist trail guide Melissa will keep the group moving at a healthy pace while sharing stories about the local area's history. This is an approximately 0.75-mile nature hike through shady areas over hard-packed shell trail and boardwalk. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext, 8.

• WILD KIDS WEEKENDS: SEASHORE SAFARI - What lurks in the waters of the Manatee River? All sorts of cool creatures. Get ready for an amazing aquatic adventure filled with fish and fantastic creatures that live in and out of shells. On July 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Emerson Point Preserve, we'll take a seashore safari with nets and buckets to catch creatures, create a fabulously fishy craft and more. Dress to get wet. Suitable for children ages 6 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• NATURALIST-LED WAGON TOURS - Take a relaxed ride through Robinson Preserve in the department's Conestoga wagons on July 29 at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve's history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and preserve highlights. Two one-hour trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $2.13 per adult and $1.07 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.

• WILD FLORIDA 101: SEAGRASS SAFARI - Ever wonder what types of creatures live in the seagrass beds? This time, adults are invited to join an evening celebration of marine biology at the Emerson Point Preserve on July 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grab a net and dip into the incredible world of seagrass habitats. Dress to get wet because we'll wade in the water and use nets to catch and release an amazing array of aquatic creatures. Suitable for adults. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 5.