Events

Wild About Nature Festival

Get ready for a fun-filled day on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay at this free community festival on Saturday, April 5. Over twenty local not-for-profits and community organizations will be onsite at Bay Preserve with nature-based activities the whole family will enjoy! From tree-climbing to nature printing, kayaking to wildlife ID – each year … Read more

Nature Journaling at Felts Audubon Preserve

Join us at Felts Audubon Preserve for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe and record the natural world through drawing and writing. This hands-on program offers a relaxing way to connect with nature while sharpening observation skills. Nature journaling is fun and meaningful because it deepens your appreciation for wildlife and helps … Read more

Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Youth Science Program

Join us for an immersive experience where you’ll learn how to collect and identify small freshwater creatures, unlocking vital insights into the overall health of a pond. Discover the fascinating world of dragonflies, damselflies, and other aquatic insects, fish, and mollusks. Participants will better understand the delicate balance within these ecosystems and how human actions … Read more

Artist Day at Felts Audubon Preserve

Join us at Felts Audubon Preserve for a morning of artistic exploration! Bring your sketchbook, camera, painting supplies, or journal, and experience this landscape for yourself, as you peruse the property while taking in the scenery and finding inspiration from nature. This is a free self-guided event, and all guests will be provided a trail map upon … Read more

Crooked River Full Moon Paddle

Join us for a relaxing guided paddle in a secluded bay at Manatee County’s newest conservation property, Crooked River Preserve! As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll turn our attention to the east and watch the full moon rise! If the skies are clear, we should be in for an incredible treat as the rising … Read more

Incredible Insects Family Program

In this interactive program, we will learn about insect body parts and adaptations, how humans have used insects throughout history, and the important role insects play in our environment. If you’re brave enough, you may even sample some edible insects! Then we’ll head out with sweep nets and viewing containers to see what kinds of … Read more

Pine Island Preserve Volunteer TAG-ALONG Day

Join the stewardship team for a day in the field! We will be focusing on invasive species management during this field day, particularly cutting down small earleaf acacia and Australian pine saplings. This is a lowkey, bring-your-own-lunch event, limited to the first three sign ups. Transportation/carpooling from Osprey is available. About Tag Along Days: Volunteers … Read more

Upper Myakka Preserve Volunteer TAG-ALONG Day

Join the stewardship team for a day in the field! The foci of the day will probably be establishing a new trail and scouting for + hand-pulling aquatic soda apple. This is a lowkey, bring-your-own-lunch event, limited to the first six sign ups. About Tag Along Days: Volunteers should dress for outdoor work and are … Read more

Myakka Headwaters Preserve Volunteer Event & Picnic

We need volunteer help at Myakka Headwaters Preserve! During this event, you will help with site maintenance and land restoration. Most likely, we will be planting wildflowers and maintaining trails. Interested volunteers should be capable of working outdoors on uneven terrain for the duration of the visit. Afterward, we will grill hotdogs (beef and veggie) … Read more

Intro to Archery

Set your sights and take aim at our Intro to Archery program at Myakka Headwaters Preserve! Participants will be provided with basic archery instruction, familiarization with equipment, and instruction in shooting techniques. All equipment will be provided for use. Two identical sessions are offered: Please register for the session that corresponds to your age group. Participants under … Read more