Preserves offering natural wonders in January

BRADENTON – There will be plenty to do in Manatee County's preserves in January, according to Melissa Cain Nell.

The manager of the Volunteer/Education Division of the Natural Resources Department said in a press release that there are many ways to explore the preserves.

• Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 to 11 a.m. – MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Join Master Gardener Mike Corso for a leisurely nature walk through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Florida’s native plants. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Jan. 9, 5 to 7 p.m. – SUNSET AND STARS SHUTTER STROLL – Join nature photographer Dotty Motta for a sunset shutter stroll at Robinson Preserve. Watch the sunset off the tower and then head over to the astronomy presentation to learn about stars. Reservations are required! Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 9.

• Saturday, Jan. 9, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. – SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY – Look to the skies for starry surprises. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers will host this sidewalk astronomy event at Robinson Preserve. Visitors will have the exciting opportunity to look through world-class telescopes in order to search the evening skies for stars, planets, galaxies and more. If you'd like to attend, call (941) 748-4501, Ext. 4605.

• Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 to 11 a.m. – MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Each month, the Master Gardeners host a fabulous nature tour in the salt marshes at Robinson Preserve. Learn more about Florida’s native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Wednesday, Jan. 12, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. – MANATEE AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRDING TOUR – Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers. Birder Lucette Wombacher 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 as they move south on their annual journey. Program suitable for all ages. Call (941) 748-4501, Ext. 4605, for more information.

• Friday, Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m. – TALL TAILS TRIBE: DIGGING UP DINOS! – Take a trip back in time to learn about dynamic dinosaurs. From big to small, flying to floating, we’ll explore the world of ”terrible lizards.“ Make a fossil, ”dig“ for bones, and have a fun time exploring ancient Florida. Program suitable for children age 5 and under. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 3.

• Saturday, Jan. 16, 9 to 11 a.m. – WILD KIDS’ WEEKENDS: FABULOUS FOSSILS -- What types of beasts walked through ancient Florida? How are fossils formed and where can they be found? Perfect for your young budding paleontologist, this program will delight fossil fans of all ages. Program suitable for all children age 6 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

• Saturday, Jan 16, 1 to 4 p.m. – AFTERNOON ADVENTURE PADDLE – Grab your paddles and get ready for an afternoon of adventure on the blueways at Robinson Preserve. Enjoy the cool winter weather as you paddle through looking for marine life below and birds above. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 7.

• Wednesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 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. Two 60-minute trips will be taken during the day. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program 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, Jan. 23, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – TRAIL CLEARING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY – Spend the morning helping out in your county’s natural lands. Join us at Rye Preserve to help clear trails. We’ll work to improve the existing trails, clearing debris and helping to tidy up this lovely uplands location. This opportunity is part of our new partnership ”Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.“ Volunteer on this date to earn a free Disney pass per person! To earn the pass, volunteers must register online with Disney as well as with the county. This opportunity is suitable for all ages. Reservations are required and spaces are limited. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 2.

• Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 to 11 a.m. – MASTER GARDENER TOUR – Which plants bloom in the cool winter weather at Emerson Point Preserve? Join the Master Gardeners for a relaxing stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to view firsthand the answer to this question. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

• Saturday, Jan. 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – WILD FL 101: FLORIDA’S ANCIENT CREATURES – Follow in the footsteps of the giant beasts that once walked across the state. See fossils from these ancient creatures and learn about the geology that created their habitat. Suitable for participants age 16 and older. Reservations are required. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 5.

• Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:00 p.m. – FULL MOON WAGON TOUR – Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon at night. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the starry night sky, and describe preserve highlights and you’ll have the opportunity to see the preserve in the evening. One 60-minute trip will be taken this evening. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (941) 742-5757, Ext. 1.