*** This cache is part of the Taking Flight GeoTour. Anyone can claim this cache, but to be eligible to receive a Taking Flight GeoTour prize tag, geocachers must complete the activities in this survey for at least 12 caches on the tour.***
Nestled within a suburban neighborhood community, Conservatory Park is one of Manatee County’s hidden gems! In 2004, the 55-acre property was purchased with the assistance from the Florida Communities Trust under the Florida Forever program. The park offers paved walking trails with exercise stations, picnic pavilions, a playground, and a fishing pier.
View of the pond from the fishing pier at Conservatory Park. Photo by Manatee County Staff.
In addition to the beautiful shaded trails and opportunities for exercise, Conservatory Park is perfect for viewing the unique wildlife of Florida. From the pier, visitors often see alligators, ducks, and several species of wading birds enjoying the 10-acre pond.
American Bald Eagle. Photo by Doreen Steinhauser.
Consider bringing these items for wildlife viewing:
- Camera: Take photos of the wildlife you see and experience wildlife viewing anytime you want! Many cameras have excellent zoom features that allow you to keep your distance and still get the perfect photo.
- Binoculars: A great pair of binoculars can be a key element to viewing wildlife from afar (especially if you are interested in looking for birds). Did you know you can check out a pair of binoculars from the Manatee County Library? Test out a pair before you make a purchase!
- Look for Wildlife Evidence: Give yourself an added challenge, and try to identify the wildlife in the area, using only the clues they leave behind! Look for feathers, scat, tracks, or empty nests, and use ID Guides to help you discover the variety of creatures that inhabit the area.
Alligator lying in the grass. Photo by Manatee County Staff.
Remember, wildlife isn’t only the large animals we can easily see. Wildlife includes all organisms that grow or live wild in an area. Follow the tips above and help keep wildlife wild!
Visit the sites along the Taking Flight GeoTour (TFGT) and learn about Manatee County's wild spaces and the amazing feathered friends that live in them. Along the way, you will be challenged to become a citizen scientist, a preserve ranger, a detective, a historian, an excellent geocacher. Caches are located in birding hot spots throughout Manatee County's publicly accessible conservation Preserves. Each one highlights a specific bird species or aspect of bird life providing you with opportunities to learn more about these creatures and what we can do to help them survive. Caches also focus on protecting the region's waterways, bays, natural watersheds, and habitat areas for many of our area's feathered friends.
The Taking Flight GeoTour launched August 20, 2012 and includes 18 caches within Manatee County.
To be eligible to receive a Taking Flight GeoTour prize tag, geocachers must complete the activities in this survey for at least 12 finds on the tour. Keep this survey open in your browser, only click submit when at least 12 finds have been completed. Survey responses will be automatically sent to Manatee County staff. Prize tags can be redeemed on Saturday mornings from 9am - 12pm at The NEST at Robinson Preserve located at 840 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. If you are unable to collect your prize tag in person, please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org to arrange for your tag to be sent in the mail. Tags will be available while supplies last.