NEST Education Center March 5, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Nature, Travel & Leisure.trackback
Robinson Preserve is expanding . . .
Two weeks ago, we had a chance to enjoy a sneak peak of its new NEST (Nature, Exploration, Science, Technology) Education Center . . .
NEST is an elevated treehouse with a rooftop cupola . . .
Complete with slide (for emergency egress) . . .
And rope ladder (for ingress and egress) . . .
The facility has a wrap around deck . . .
Overlooking the native vegetation . . .
Including this nifty specimen . . .
Even the restrooms have a bird’s eye view of the preserve . . .
The NEST is surrounded by 150 acres of the Robinson Preserve expansion, which, when completed, will include canoe and kayak launches, mangrove islands, a 5k track, a jogging and walking trail, freshwater ponds for a sport fish nursery, restored wetlands and a connection to the existing preserve.
While there, we wandered the new trails . . .
Admired the views . . .
Took in the new bridges which will connect the walking/jogging trail to the bicycle path . . .
In due course, our lengthening shadows told us it was time to leave . . .
Can’t wait to head back . . .
Aah . . . that’s better!
Spirit Lights The Way 
The treehouse seems more like a playground for kids. Though I wouldn’t mind trying out that slide, myself.
I tried out the slide . . . I find slides hard to resist. 😀
That slide….inviting!
I slid down that baby with a W~H~O~O~S~H!
Yay for you!
Looks like a great place to hang out on a nice day!
Manatee County has done a terrific job with this and other preserves ~ good for us and good for the birds & bees.
Looks like a great place for adults and kids alike. 🙂
I expect that it will be a popular destination for school field trips.
What a gorgeous place! I hope they won’t mind when I move into it. I could set up a chair on that wraparound deck.
Let me know when you get settled in . . . I’ll head over to see ya!
What a great place to go and observe nature!
If you’re ever in Bradenton, I’ll show you around the 3 preserves that abut our neighborhood ~> Robinson is the largest (and now adding another 150 acres), then Perico Preserve (an aviary), and the smallest is Neal (with Native American history).
I find myself ‘flying’ past Bradenton on my way south, but could make it my destination one of these days. And if you ever reach Sand Key 🙂 I’d be happy to show to Mr. & Mrs. Osprey and invite you guys for lunch at an excellent Cuban establishment just a stone throw from the marsh. Maybe in mid May when the chick(s) are practicing flight?
That sounds like a plan! 😀
This looks like a great place to visit. I love the way the wooden walkways are integrated with nature. Very pretty.
Nature centers are a real asset to communities ~ giving kids a chance to get out of the classroom and learn on an educational field trip. Like you, I love the “look” and “feel” of the walkways.
I LOVE nature preserves and education centers. This one looks fantastic. I’d go down the slide and walk the trails all day long. Thanks for sharing – I have not heard of this one.
I couldn’t resist that slide ~> W~H~O~O~S~H! 😀
I love nature centers of any description, but this is particularly appealing for the pure fun of the elevated perch and such a large surrounding area to explore. These are my favorite mini-adventures!
It was exciting to get a sneak preview (and bird’s eye view) of the preserve’s expansion. 😀
How cool is that!? Love the pictures! I’d definitely try out that slide and the rope course. 🙂
The slide was fun!